The Way
Nicodemus Comes by Night
The secret of the wind, heard in the dark
Story
Only when the night was deep did a man come quietly to see Jesus. It was Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a leader of the Jews. Seated across from him where a single lamp flickered, he spoke carefully. Teacher, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. No one could do the signs you do unless God were with him.
Jesus answered. Truly I tell you, unless a person is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus did not understand. How can someone be born when he is old? Jesus said again. Unless a person is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.
The words went on deep into the night. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. The light has come into the world, but people loved darkness rather than light. Those words lingered long in the stillness of the night.
Walk this scene on the map →His Words
I tell you the truth: unless someone is born anew from above, they cannot see the kingdom of God.
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that all who believe in him will not perish but have eternal life.
The wind blows where it wills. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with all who are born of the Spirit.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Jn 3:1–21
Background
The Greek word 'anothen', rendered 'anew', means both 'again' and 'from above'. Nicodemus appears again later at Jesus' burial, bringing myrrh and aloes.
Pause and Reflect
Do I lean on the habits of my faith, or on the grace that gives new birth?