Scripture Notes: Born From Above (John 3)

Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. He was a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jewish people, part of a group that had taken deep offense at Jesus. Yet apparently he was also curious, intrigued, and even perhaps drawn to Jesus in a way he could not quite grasp. So he came to Him at night, out of the view of the other Pharisees, hoping for explanations, clarity, answers.

But Nicodemus seemed to find more questions than answers. He started out with what he apparently hoped was a leading statement: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him.” He was looking for a confirmation. He wanted Jesus to tell him for certain Who He was and what He was doing. But Jesus did not.

Instead, Jesus appeared to go off in a completely different direction: “Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus, probably with a confused expression, asked how anyone can be born anew. Jesus did not back down, but He did explain: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus was thinking literalistically. Jesus was speaking sacramentally. The word for “anew” here, which is often translated “again,” actually has a richer meaning in the Greek. It means “from above.” It refers to being born of the Spirit. It means entering into a new life, the divine life, as that divine life enters into us. And it points directly toward the sacrament of Baptism.

This is how Christians are born anew, born from above, by water and the Spirit, by Baptism. This is how sanctifying grace, the very life of God, enters into us. The Spirit hovers over the waters of Baptism, making the sacrament efficacious. It does not just symbolize grace; it imparts grace. The Spirit enters into us, making us a new creation in God.

Did Nicodemus finally understand? We do not know for sure. Yet he, with Joseph of Arimathea, considered himself a follower of Jesus and took part in claiming and burying Jesus’ Body after the crucifixion. In any case, Nicodemus found out how our Lord challenges us and draws our thoughts up to Him and to His truth.