Born From Above: Entering the Kingdom by the Spirit
Just as the wind carries a kite, the Spirit carries new life—unseen, but unmistakably real.
The third chapter of John unfolds one of the most memorable conversations in all of Scripture—the nighttime meeting between Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus, a respected religious teacher and Pharisee, came in sincerity but with insufficient understanding. Despite his religious knowledge and moral efforts, he still needed to be “born again”—or more accurately, born from above. Jesus explained that natural birth alone does not grant entrance into the kingdom of God; one must be born of water and the Spirit, pointing to the spiritual cleansing and inner renewal prophesied in Ezekiel. The Spirit, like the wind, moves freely and invisibly but leaves clear evidence of its presence in a transformed life.
This passage also introduces the first of three “lifted up” sayings in John’s Gospel. Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent for healing in the wilderness, we look to the crucified and risen Christ for eternal life. This life—God’s own life—is not merely a future promise but a present reality for all who believe. John 3:16 encapsulates the heart of the Gospel: God’s love is the motive, eternal life is the gift, and belief in His Son is the invitation. The chapter closes with a contrast between light and darkness, belief and unbelief. Those who reject the light do so not out of ignorance, but because their deeds are evil. John the Baptist’s final testimony in the chapter offers a model of joyful humility—his ministry must decrease so that Christ may increase. All authority, life, and truth reside in Jesus, who came from above and speaks the words of God, full of the Spirit without limit.
Journal Entry – In the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You have been born not of flesh, but of Spirit. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. I have breathed new life into you, not by the will of man but by the will of God. Just as the wind moves unseen yet unmistakable in power, so I move within you—cleansing, renewing, guiding. You did not climb your way into the kingdom; you were carried in by My grace.
You have looked to the One lifted up—the Son who bore sin, defeated death, and now reigns in glory. As you believed, eternal life was imparted—not a distant hope but a present possession. My life now flows within you, and the light has entered your heart. You are no longer of darkness; you walk in truth. Do not shrink back. Those who live by the truth come into the light so that it may be seen plainly that what has been done in them has been done through God.
Rejoice in the Son. He has been given all things by the Father. My presence in you is not measured or rationed—I have come in fullness. The Son speaks My words, and I magnify Him in you. He must increase. You are the vessel, but He is the life. Let your joy be full, not in your position or performance, but in your union with Him who is from above, who is above all.
Verses woven in: John 3:3–8, 14–21, 27–36; Ezekiel 36:25–27; Titus 3:5
Prayer
Father, I rejoice in the truth that I have been born from above—cleansed, made new, and filled with Your Spirit. You’ve given me more than a second chance; You’ve given me a second birth. I rest tonight not in anything I have done, but in all that Christ has done and is doing in me. As the wind carries fragrance unseen, so I trust Your Spirit to carry Christ’s life through me moment by moment. Let the increase of Jesus in my life be visible, and may my joy always be in the bridegroom—not the best man. Thank You for the eternal life I already possess and the light in which I now walk.
Amen.
Credit:
Exposition adapted from the Grace and Truth Study Bible (Zondervan).
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