John 3:1-8 

¹ Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. ⁷ You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Athritis

People have their own personal way of answering questions or inquiries.

Some offer short, direct replies. Others respond with another question. Some speak in rhetorical statements. And some give overly complex answers, more to show off their intellect than to truly help. Others answer based on their own agenda, not the actual question.

A groggy drunkard once asked his neighbor—a devout Christian just coming home from Sunday worship—“What causes arthritis?”

The Christian quickly answered, “Ah! Too much drinking, too much smoking, too much gambling, too many women, and hanging out in bars.”

Realizing he may have sounded harsh, the Christian softened and said, “I’m sorry. I hope you didn’t take that personally.”

The drunk man said, “Not at all. I was referring to the story I heard from your church-mate. Your pastor has arthritis.”

This story reminds us that people’s intentions and needs aren’t always obvious. But Jesus, He always responds with perfect insight.

Today, we look at John 3:1–8. This is a clear picture wherein scholars presumed that the Author of the Gospel of John was an eyewitness to Jesus’ activities and he had personally heard Jesus’ words.      

The Gospel of John narrates more specifics in Jesus life.

All throughout the Gospel of John, we can observe time, place, emotions, and actions in the narrations of Jesus’ life that describe particular activities and words of Jesus. The Gospel writer was likely an eyewitness to Nicodemus’ visit to Jesus. The details are specific: time, setting, mood, and even the character of Nicodemus.

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and also a member of the Jewish ruling council. Not all Pharisees held such positions, which tells us Nicodemus carried both religious and political influence.

With the time Nicodemus went to Jesus, we can easily think of Nicodemus going to Jesus at night because perhaps, he was afraid that his fellow Pharisees and other members of the Ruling Council would ostracize him. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night because perhaps he was very busy at during the morning hours and he can only relax in the evening. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night because perhaps he knew that Jesus is very busy during the day and he can only spend more time asking Jesus questions at night. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night because perhaps he is also afraid that people will tease him of swallowing his pride as a Pharisee.

We can speculate or wonder why Nicodemus went to see Jesus at night, but this is a clear testimony that the writer remembered how he saw and heard exactly what Jesus talked about with Nicodemus.

We have confidence to come to Jesus because…

1.  Jesus Answers Us According to Our Need Physically

When Nicodemus came to see Jesus, he started speaking with the usual or normal way a Teacher of the law or a Pharisee speaks. ² He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

Nicodemus was still in the process of greeting and introducing his purpose but Jesus has answered him even before his question was uttered. ³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Jesus knew Nicodemus’s heart before a word was asked. Remember last Wednesday we learned that Jesus knows our reason for coming to him even without us telling Him.

And Nicodemus’s confused response: “How can someone be born again when they are old?” reveals that his very purpose for coming to Jesus was to ask that question. If not, then Nicodemus should have said something else like “that’s not what I wanted to ask you.”

Jesus answered both the spiritual and physical layers of the question: In verses 5-6, ⁵ Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 

To be “born again” isn’t just about spiritual renewal; it also means a transformed life that affects every part of our being. We grow spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, and practically. Being born again is the beginning of Spiritual life journey.

We understand that to be “born again” means believing in and receiving Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior. When we place our faith in Him, we are born of the Spirit. At that moment, God’s Spirit comes to dwell in us, and we are born from above. We have the right to become Children of God.

But today, let’s go a step further. Being born again is only the beginning. Just like a newborn baby must grow in stature and wisdom, those who are born again must also grow in spiritual understanding and maturity.

Jesus can easily say, ”Believe in me and you can have eternal life.” Jesus knows that earthly life cannot be separated from spiritual life. Jesus wants us to be born again and grow mature.

In verses 3 and 4, ³ Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” ⁴ “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

Jesus was speaking of the spiritual kingdom, but Nicodemus responded with a purely earthly perspective. Nicodemus answered, “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” which is earthly in nature. This shows us that Nicodemus was still trying to grasp deeper truth with a limited, physical mindset.

When Jesus used the words water and flesh, words that are tangible and concrete in verses 5 and 6, He’s showing us something important: He wants us to see that He also cares for our physical needs. Physical needs are also factors for us to grow onto spiritual things.

How can we show kindness to others if we don’t have anything to offer? How can we care for our families if we don’t have food to give them?

Our practical needs: physical, intellectual, psychologically, emotional, logical, and financial, these earthly things are important components for us to experience our personal relationship with Christ.

So when Jesus says, “Flesh gives birth to flesh…” He’s not only teaching a theological truth; He’s inviting us to see how our everyday needs matter to God. Jesus meets us where we are. He answers us not only spiritually, but also physically and practically, so we can grow in faith and live out His love.

The Cold

After 15 years, most of you won’t ask our family how our adjustment here in Winterpeg is since it’s been that long. I’ve now spent more years here in Canada than any other country in the world.

We stayed in the Southern part of China and the coldest temperature we experienced was -3°C. We lived in a 4-room apartment but huddled in one room during winter because it was so cold.

Then we arrived in Winnipeg. I still remember that experience when we came here. When we were about to walk out of the airport doors, one “tita” offered a winter jacket for me to wear. I politely declined because in my mind, “how bad could it be?”

Here in Winnipeg the coldest registered climate since we arrived was -40°C and back when we just arrived back in November 7, 2009, the recorded temperature at the time was 10°C with a wind of 7 km/h. Nowadays, that’s great T-shirt weather for me. Back then, it meant swallowing my pride and asking the “tita” for the jacket she has previously offered.

In reality, it is far colder here but we enjoyed the coldness of the weather here more than in China. We found it easier to adjust here. This church’s warm welcome, the warmth of your love and your fellowship made the cold more bearable than anywhere else.

If we were asked how’s our adjustment going, one or two years after arriving in this city, we can gladly answer that adjusting to life in Canada was so fast—faster than others experience because of your Christian love for us and our family continue to feel this love from this church to this day.

Jesus cares for our physical and practical needs to show His love.

Paul himself teaches that Jesus will meet our physical needs. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 says ¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 

Jesus answers us according to our need practically and…

 2.  Jesus Answers Us According to Our Need Spiritually

⁸ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Jesus doesn’t just meet our practical or physical needs—He also addresses our deepest spiritual needs, beginning with the need to be born again and become true believers. The visible and tangible often point us to the invisible and spiritual realities.

In verse 8, Jesus uses a simple yet powerful illustration to explain how the spiritual realm works. Can anyone describe the color or shape of the wind? No, but we can hear its sound and feel its presence. We don’t know exactly where it comes from or where it’s going, but we see its effects: leaves moving, branches swaying. Likewise, when we see someone serving, loving, or forgiving, we witness the work of the Spirit in their life.

Spiritual maturity isn’t measured by how long we’ve been Christians, whether one year or twenty. What matters is whether our lives reflect the Spirit of God at work in us.

Can others tell we are followers of Jesus simply by the way we live, speak, and think? Is there something distinct about us that reveals we’ve been born again?

If you’re struggling in your spiritual walk, Jesus knows. And He wants to help. If you’re finding it hard to spend time in His Word, ask Jesus to stir your desire and help you make time to read it.

Jesus knows you and me. He answers our spiritual needs too.

Let’s ask Him to help us grow spiritually.

If you often run late for Sunday service, ask Him to give you the motivation to come early and prepare your heart. If your job keeps you from attending Wednesday prayer meetings, pray that Jesus will move your employer’s heart and provide you a schedule that allows you to join us in the Midweek Worship Service.

Whatever is hindering your spiritual growth, bring it to Jesus. He is faithful to meet both our physical and spiritual needs. He will surely answer us in our need spiritually and physically.

Old Man

There was an article about a group of tourists who visited a small village. As they passed an old man sitting by a fence, one of them mockingly asked, “Were any great men born in this village?” The old man calmly replied, “Nope, only babies.”

What seemed like a silly question was met with a profound truth: no one is born great. Growth takes time.

The same is true in our spiritual lives. There are no instant heroes in the kingdom of God. Just as newborns need milk, we need daily nourishment from God’s Word.

Don’t expect to grow spiritually on one meal a week. Feed your Spiritual life daily. Read your Bible daily.

This is also a time to engage our minds. Think wisely. Make intentional decisions for your spiritual health.

What parent would want their child to remain an infant forever? In the same way, do you think our Heavenly Father wants us to stay in spiritual diapers? No, He desires for us to grow, mature, and reflect the image of Christ more and more each day.

CONCLUSION:

Jesus meets all our needs, not just physically but also intellectually, emotionally, and most importantly, spiritually. He wants us to grow in our relationship with Him.

As we continue in our smaller groups in prayer tonight, take time to reflect on these questions:

Are you fully trusting Jesus to meet both your physical and spiritual needs? Are your daily choices helping you grow spiritually?

Let this be a reminder to ask God to give you the desire to read His word and pray regularly.

Are you doing your part as a member of this church, the body of Christ?

Ask God to show you the ministry you can join for the furtherance of His kingdom. Ask God to renew your desire to read His Word, to pray consistently, and to find where He wants you to serve.

Let’s seek the Lord together, and as we do, may we continue to witness His glory and grace at work in every area of our lives.

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