Based on John 3:1–21 – Finding New Life in Jesus: Lessons from Nicodemus and The Gift of Eternal Life
Introduction
Have you ever felt like you’re doing your best, trying to be a good person, yet something still feels missing? That was me for a long time. I believed in God, respected Him, and even tried to follow what I thought was “good.” But deep inside, I longed for something more—something real.
Then I read John 3:1-21.
This chapter gave me answers I didn’t know I needed. It tells the story of Nicodemus, a religious leader who came to Jesus at night. He had questions, doubts, and probably didn’t want people to know he was seeking answers. Maybe you feel the same right now—curious, but cautious.
But here’s the truth that changed everything for me: Jesus didn’t just offer Nicodemus information. He offered him transformation. A new life. And He offers that same new life to you and me.
My Encounter with the Truth (Reflection/Insight)
When I was younger, I often heard about people being “born again.” It sounded strange. Some even made fun of the idea, calling it emotional or “over the top.” I didn’t understand it.
But deep in my heart, I had a desire to love God, even if I didn’t know how.
Everything changed when I joined a retreat and later, a discipleship group. That’s when I truly encountered Jesus—not just as a religious figure, but as my Savior.
Reading John 3:16 opened my eyes:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
It hit me:
God didn’t wait for me to be perfect. He came for me while I was lost in sin.
Before, I thought sin was just bad habits. But I realized it was more than that—it was being spiritually dead, disconnected from God. I was living for myself, unaware that I was getting farther and farther from Him. But God, in His love, pursued me.
And when I believed in Jesus, something happened.
I wasn’t just forgiven. I was made new.
I was born again—not physically, but spiritually. God gave me a new heart, a new identity, and a new direction.
What It Means to Be Born Again
Being born again is not about religion. It’s not about going to church every Sunday or being “good enough.”
It’s about surrendering to Jesus. It’s about letting the Holy Spirit work in you, change you, and guide you. Jesus explained this to Nicodemus:
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8)
That’s how I feel sometimes—like I don’t fully understand everything, but I know God is working. I’ve seen how my desires have changed. I’ve noticed how I respond to temptation differently. I’m not perfect, but I know I’m not who I used to be.
And that’s all because of Jesus.
That’s what it means to be born again.
Living in the Light
Later in the chapter, Jesus talks about light and darkness:
“Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19)
This hit home. I had to ask myself:
Am I hiding in the dark or walking in the light?
Jesus doesn’t expose us to shame us. He brings us into the light to heal us. To restore us. To guide us toward life.
When we walk with Him, we stop hiding. We start living.
Life Application
The story of Nicodemus isn’t just about him—it’s about us.
You may have grown up in church. You might know Bible verses by heart. Or maybe, like Nicodemus, you’re religious but restless. Jesus is meeting you right where you are today. He’s inviting you to be born again.
This is your moment. This is your time.
Don’t just know about God—know Him personally. Surrender to Him. Let Him transform your life from the inside out.
Questions for Reflection
Take a quiet moment to reflect on these questions. Be honest with yourself—and with God.
- What does being “born again” mean to you, personally?
- Have you experienced this kind of transformation with Jesus?
- Are there areas in your life that still hide in darkness? What would it look like to bring them into His light?
- How can you share the love of God (John 3:16) with someone in your life?
A Personal Prayer
Jesus,
Thank You for loving me even when I was lost.
Thank You for offering me a new life through Your death and resurrection.
I want to be born again. I want to know You deeply, not just in my head but in my heart.
Fill me with Your Spirit. Help me walk in Your light, every single day.
Amen.
📓 Journal Invitation: “My New Beginning”
Take some time today—maybe right now—to write in your journal.
You can start with this prompt:
“Jesus, this is where I am right now…”
Be honest. Be raw. Let it flow. Then, write about how you want to respond to His invitation to be born again. If you’ve already made that decision before, reflect on how your life has changed. Consider what God might be calling you into next.
Final Words
John 3:1–21 isn’t just a story—it’s an invitation.
It’s a doorway to new life.
God so loved you that He gave His Son. Don’t leave that gift unopened. Embrace it.
Be born again. Live in His light. Let His love change your life.
Immanuel and Me 
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