In John 3, Nicodemus met with Jesus at night.

He began the conversation by extending some flattering words. However, Jesus bypassed them and went into the substance of His discourse. He told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again, by water, referencing baptism, and more so by the Holy Spirit. From there, He indicated that the Spirit is similar to the wind: the movement of both is mysterious because we cannot see it, but the effects are visible.

Nicodemus was confused.

To be fair, we shouldn’t give him a hard time. These themes do seem abstract.

Jesus didn’t explain them directly. Instead, He alluded to the account of Moses lifting up a bronze serpent so the people could see it and be saved from their snake bites (see Numbers 21). Jesus equated Himself to that serpent.

We may not understand everything about the born-again experience, but the best way for our lives to change is to behold the cross and see the immeasurable love Christ displayed and the sins He took upon Himself for our sakes.

Let us look to Jesus and live forever.