John-Born Again
Orient Discussion with Nicodemus Today’s section of Scripture highlights discourse, following the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Jewish leader who visits Jesus at night. During their discussion, Nicodemus is confused by the words of Jesus, which is a pattern we will see throughout the book when He teaches about spiritual matters. This portion of Scripture contains the most biblical references on regeneration, new life as a mark of the believer and essential for salvation. In verse 14, Jesus brings an Old Testament story into His discussion (Numbers 21:4-9). Metaphor and simile are included literary elements in today’s reading (birth, wind, the serpent) as well as contrasts between the spirit/flesh and earthly/from above. The passage ends with a clear statement on the theme of John: whome...