Today’s Theme for Prayer – Jesus Desires to Save Me
How Do I Allow Jesus to Act Freely in Me?
Jn 3:1-12
Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born* from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother’s womb and be born again, can he?” Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind* blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can this happen?” Jesus answered and said to him, “You are the teacher of Israel and you do not understand this? Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony. If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
Grace Prayed For
Spiritual rebirth: The core of Jesus’ message to Nicodemus is the necessity of being “born again” or “born from above.” Pray for the grace to experience this spiritual transformation, to be renewed and awakened by the Holy Spirit.
The Whisper of the Spirit: Encountering God in the Unexpected
This passage from John 3:1-12 presents a profound and intimate conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a leader of the Jews. Nicodemus, intrigued by Jesus’ miracles and teachings, seeks him out under the cover of night, perhaps fearing the judgment of his peers. He acknowledges Jesus as a teacher from God, but his understanding remains limited to the earthly realm.
Jesus, in his gentle yet direct way, introduces Nicodemus to a spiritual truth that transcends human logic: the necessity of being “born again,” or “born from above,” to enter the kingdom of God. This concept puzzles Nicodemus, who interprets it literally, highlighting the contrast between his intellectual understanding and the spiritual reality Jesus reveals.
The imagery of wind used by Jesus beautifully illustrates the mysterious and sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in bringing about this new birth. Just as the wind’s movement is unpredictable and invisible yet evident in its effects, so too is the Spirit’s work in transforming a person’s heart and enabling them to perceive and enter God’s kingdom.
Nicodemus’ continued questioning reveals his struggle to grasp this profound truth. Jesus gently chides him, not in condemnation, but in invitation, urging him to move beyond his earthly understanding and embrace the heavenly realities.
This passage speaks powerfully to our own spiritual journeys. Like Nicodemus, we may approach God with our limited human understanding, seeking answers that fit neatly within our intellectual framework. Yet, God’s ways are often beyond our comprehension, requiring a surrender of our preconceived notions and an openness to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
The invitation to be born again is extended to all, regardless of our background or social standing. It is a call to a new life, marked by a spiritual awakening and a deepening relationship with God. This new birth is not a mere intellectual assent or a religious ritual, but a radical transformation of the heart, enabling us to see and experience God’s kingdom in a way that was previously impossible.
As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: Have we experienced this new birth? Are we open to the Spirit’s work in our lives, even if it challenges our understanding and leads us in unexpected directions? May we, like Nicodemus, come to Jesus with open hearts and minds, seeking the truth that sets us free and opens the door to the kingdom of God.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Embracing the mystery of the Spirit: Jesus’ analogy of the wind illustrates the mysterious and sometimes unpredictable nature of the Holy Spirit. Being open to the Spirit’s leading, even when it seems unclear, requires trust and surrender, which are essential for intimacy with Jesus.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post