As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 3, of Chapter 3. Jesus had been visited at night by a Pharisee named Nicodemus, so as not to be seen by other Pharisees. He said unto Jesus, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God for no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
The reply that Jesus gave to the religious leader was a game changer. Up to that point, all that Nicodemus knew was that man’s relationship to God was based upon the work to keep the Law that had been given to Moses. Now, Jesus said unto him, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their Mother’s womb to be born!” (John 3:3-4)
Nicodemus had no clue as to what Jesus spoke of. The kingdom of God to the Jews is a physical kingdom, ruled by a descendant of King David, and so it shall be someday. But the kingdom of God Jesus speaks of here is a spiritual kingdom that requires becoming a spiritual being to enter in. A kingdom for now – not later – now.
Jesus went on to tell Nicodemus, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water, and Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” (John 3: 5-6) We enter this world as all flesh does. We as human beings enter in under the fall of Adam, and the ways of the flesh. When we come to believe in, (John 6:29, John 3:16) and ask Jesus the Christ into our heart as Lord and Savior of our soul, we are born again in the spirit, by the Spirit. We become a new creation within, and enter into the kingdom of God that is in each of us who believe. Father God, Jesus, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit receives us into this kingdom within (Luke 17:21). He then begins to work with each of us to help us to grow and mature from within our spirit to our soul, to our outer man.
The Word says, “The Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,(the flesh), but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (the Spirit).” (Romans 14:17)
More on the kingdom of God next week.
Have a wonderful day as you walk with the Lord in the kingdom. You are a child of God who has been given full rights in the kingdom. Enjoy!
May you, and yours, be blessed with perfect health, and divine wealth in all areas of your life, God’s Beloveds.
Poppa B.