Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus here, who recognized that Jesus was more than just a man—He was someone special who had been sent by God. He doesn’t quite realize yet that Jesus is both God and man, that He is the long-awaited Messiah, but Jesus is going to help him see. And He starts by telling him that he must be born again. How confusing this must have been, given what they knew about being born. Watching a baby emerge from a mother’s womb, born bearing Mom’s eyes or Dad’s hair (and a sin nature), is something we can witness with our eyes. Spiritual birth is far different in several ways. We don’t choose to whom we are physically born; we do choose to become children of God with spiritual rebirth. I’ve probably shared this before, but when I was in high school I came across a quote that has stuck with me: In the world of science, one must see to believe; in the world of Jesus, one must believe to see. Faith isn’t physical sight. Faith is a heart commitment that changes everything. Believe…and you will see!
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