Don't Marvel That I Said to You, 'You Must Be Born Anew' - John 3:7 (WEB)
In John 3:7, Jesus gently admonishes Nicodemus, a learned Pharisee, saying, "Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.'" This statement is both profound and challenging, inviting us to reconsider the foundation of our spiritual life. To be "born anew" or "born again" is not merely a metaphor but a divine necessity for entering the Kingdom of God.
Key Terms
- Born Anew (Born Again): A spiritual rebirth, a transformation initiated by the Holy Spirit that renews a person's heart and mind beyond natural birth.
- Marvel: To be amazed or astonished. Jesus anticipates Nicodemus’s surprise but encourages understanding over astonishment.
- Nicodemus: A Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council who sought Jesus privately to understand His teachings.
- Spirit: The Holy Spirit, the agent of new birth and regeneration in the believer's life.
- Kingdom of God: The reign or rule of God over the hearts of those who accept His lordship through spiritual rebirth.
Why It Matters Today
In a world saturated with self-help philosophies and moral relativism, the concept of being "born anew" remains countercultural and essential. Jesus’ call to spiritual rebirth transcends religious rituals or mere moral improvement; it demands a heart-level transformation that only God can accomplish. Many today might marvel or resist this idea, thinking spiritual renewal is optional or symbolic. Yet Jesus underscores it as a non-negotiable prerequisite for experiencing God's kingdom.
Being born anew means surrendering our old self, with its sinful patterns and brokenness, and embracing a new identity in Christ. This new birth is not the result of human effort but a gracious act of God through faith. It brings freedom, peace, and a fresh start—qualities deeply needed in our fractured world.
Nicodemus’s initial confusion reminds us that spiritual truths often transcend human logic and expectations. Jesus invites us not to marvel but to receive and live in the reality of regeneration. This rebirth leads to a transformed life marked by love, obedience, and a growing intimacy with God.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5, WEB)
Jesus’ words emphasize that this new birth is both a cleansing and a spiritual renewal. Water symbolizes purification, while the Spirit represents the divine life-giving power that enables believers to walk in newness of life.
Today, reflecting on John 3:7 compels us to examine whether we have truly experienced this rebirth or are merely relying on outward religion or good works. The invitation to be born anew is extended to all, regardless of background or past failures. It is the starting point of a vibrant, eternal relationship with God.
Recognizing the necessity of being born anew transforms how we approach faith—no longer as a checklist but as a dynamic, Spirit-led journey into the heart of God.