John 3:3-8 - Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

In this passage, Jesus is speaking with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews. Jesus tells Nicodemus that unless one is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus does not understand and asks how someone can be born again when they are old. Jesus explains that one must be born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Jesus emphasizes that we must be born again by the Spirit to enter God's kingdom.

This passage highlights the radical transformation that is required to enter into new life with God. On our own, we are born of the flesh - subject to sin and separation from God. But through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be born again by the Spirit. This new birth is not something we can achieve through our own efforts, but is a work of God in our lives. When we accept Jesus as Lord, He sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, making us new creations. Our old, sinful nature is crucified with Christ and we are made alive in Him. This new life is empowered by the Spirit from within, enabling us to walk in obedience to God. True salvation is not just behavioral modification, but a complete rebirth of our spirit. Through faith in Jesus, we can experience this new life that Jesus promises - eternal life, abundant and free!

Father, thank you for the gift of new life that is available to all through faith in Jesus. Forgive us for ever thinking we could earn our way into your kingdom or achieve righteousness through our own efforts. You alone can transform us and make us new. I pray that you would continue the work you have begun in me, conforming me more into the image of Christ through the power of your Holy Spirit. May my life reflect the reality of the new creation you have made me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.