Scripture Guide

Have you ever met someone who seemed to have everything together on the outside? They knew what to say, how to act, what was expected of them, and from what everyone could tell, they were doing pretty well. But underneath the surface, something was still missing. In John 3, we meet a man like that. . . a man named Nicodemus.

Now, here’s the thing about Nicodemus: He wasn’t some reckless sinner who came looking for Jesus after ruining his life or someone seeking physical healing for a lifelong ailment. He was a Pharisee . . . a respected religious leader and a man who knew the Scriptures. If anyone should have had it all together and really understood what it meant to follow God, it should have been him. And yet, he came searching for Jesus. And what did Jesus say to him? He told him something totally unexpected: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3 NIV). 

Think about that for a second: Jesus wasn’t telling Nicodemus that he needed to become a little more religious, clean up a few areas of his life, or try harder to be holier, more righteous, or a better person. You see, Nicodemus was already doing all of that. His problem wasn’t that he needed a better version of his old life. What he needed was a new life.

And that’s true for everyone. Salvation can’t be earned through morality, church attendance, Bible knowledge, family background, generosity, or good deeds. The fact is sin has left humanity spiritually dead and separated from God (Ephesians 2:1-9). What’s needed is something only God can do: cleansing, a new heart, and new life through His Spirit. This is what Jesus means when He says we must be born again.

Then Jesus gives Nicodemus the good news. “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (John 3:14-21 NIV). Why did Jesus connect His work to the snake in the wilderness? Because all who looked at the snake on the pole were healed (Numbers 21:4-9). In the same way, all who believe in Jesus are saved/rescued from sin, healed from the curse, and will live. 

In this moment, Jesus was actually pointing ahead to the cross, where He would take our sin upon Himself, die in our place, and rise again so anyone who trusts in Him can be forgiven, made new, and given eternal life.

This same invitation is for everyone, everywhere. No one is good enough to earn salvation, and no one is too sinful to receive it. But listen . . . the gospel of Jesus isn’t an invitation to become a better version of yourself; it’s an invitation to look to Jesus, believe in Him, receive the life only He can give, and live a new life in, through, and with Him!