Devotional Thought

Jesus’ late-night conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 offers a striking truth: no one, no matter how religious or morally upright, can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born again.

Jesus introduces the concept of the new birth, not as a vague emotional experience, but as a deep and divine act initiated by the Holy Spirit. It's the spiritual rebirth that gives us new vision, new desires, and a new identity.

The sermon challenged us to consider the ultimate stronghold: the lie that we can save ourselves. Whether it’s through religious performance, personal morality, or spiritual apathy, we all resist the truth that salvation is by grace alone.

Jesus reminds Nicodemus that just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up—that all who look to Him might live. This is the heart of the gospel. We do not earn it. We do not fix ourselves. We simply lift our eyes to Jesus.

Reflection Questions

1. Have you ever felt like Nicodemus—religious or spiritual on the outside, but unsure about your standing with God? How do you relate to his story?

2. Jesus said, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” What do you think it means to be “born again”? How would you explain that to someone who asks?

3. What are the old identities or labels that you have lived under? How have they shaped your relationship with God and others?

4. If someone looked at your life, what would they say your “greatest love” is? Does your heart reflect that Jesus is your first love?

5. Nicodemus was open, curious, and seeking truth. Do you know anyone like that today? How can you walk with them in a way that points them toward Jesus?

6. Jesus points Nicodemus to the cross using the image of the bronze serpent (Numbers 21). What does it mean to “look to Jesus” in faith? What might that look like practically this week?

7. Are you more likely to fall into the stronghold of prideful self-righteousness or passive spiritual apathy? What would repentance look like for you?

8. Do you see evidence of transformation in your life—fruit of the Spirit, reordered priorities, a softened heart? If not, what might be holding you back?

Action Step

This week, identify one area of your life where you are still trusting in your own strength, morality, or spiritual resume rather than resting in the finished work of Jesus. Write it down. Then, in prayer, surrender that area to God and ask Him to renew your mind and heart through the Holy Spirit.

Consider sharing this with your group or a trusted friend. Transformation begins when we stop pretending and start surrendering.