Why Jesus Said, “You Must Be Born Again”
Primary Text
John 3:1-8
John 3:3
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Opening Question
If someone attends church regularly, reads the Bible, and tries to live a good life, does that automatically make them a Christian?
Why or why not?
Introduction
One of the most important conversations in the Bible took place between Jesus and a man named Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, a teacher of Israel, and a respected religious leader. He knew the Scriptures. He practiced religion. He desired to honor God.
Yet Jesus immediately directed the conversation to Nicodemus’ greatest need:
“You must be born again.”
This statement teaches us that Christianity is not merely about becoming more religious.
It is about receiving new life from God.
Many people attempt to change their behavior without experiencing a changed heart. They seek spiritual growth without first possessing spiritual life.
Jesus teaches that before there can be spiritual growth, there must first be spiritual birth.
The new birth is the foundation of the Christian life.
Reading the Passage
John 3:1-8
(Read together as a group.)
Word Study
“Born Again”
John 3:3
The phrase “born again” comes from the Greek word:
ἀνώθεν (anōthen)
Meaning:
- From above
- Again
- Anew
- Originating from God