The Challenge of a Response

Part of the challenge involved when Jesus invites you to come and see, you not only must REPENT but he will also demand a response.

Three times Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be born again.

John 3:3 CSB

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

John 3:5 CSB

Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:7 CSB

Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again.

Nicodemus wanted to see the Kingdom of God.

He endorsed the right rituals.

He emphasized the right race.

He earned the right titles.

He explored the right way.

Jesus’s challenge to be “born again” forced Nicodemus to:

Respond to the short comings of tradition. (v. 3)

Respond to the expectation of the Scriptures. (v. 5, 16-17; Ezekiel 36:25-27)

Respond to the process of salvation. (v. 8)

Respond to the work of God through Christ. (v. 14)