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| Nicodemus and Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
reBirth...For those of us who have spent our whole lives in the Church, the idea of being born again doesn't really phase us. It brings thoughts of new life, conversion, and the amazing grace of God. I can't say that I truly remember a particular day in my life which I would point to and say that's when I "got saved" as some Christians can, but I do believe I have been "rebirthed." Yesterday morning I heard a sermon from John 3:1-15 where Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus. In this conversation Jesus tells the sneaky Pharisee, "No one may see the kingdom of God unless they are γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν....You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν.'"
Why do I pull out the Greek? If you read from the NIV, you might notice that the footnotes point out what is translated "born again" in verses 3 and 7 can also be translated "born from above." I checked my lexicon, and it agrees that it can be translated this way and might even be meant both ways. If taken as "born again," it's understood as Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." It's obvious that Jesus isn't talking about a physical rebirth, but it's a hard concept for the Jewish teacher to understand.
But what if it's meant to be understood "born from above"? As I thought about this, the "from" doesn't mean all humans who will see the kingdom of God need to literally be born and then descend from a higher place, but in Jewish culture (where the heavens are over the earth) it would imply one's spiritual orientation. Think of this as a prelude for Ephesians 4. Here Paul talks about the grace given by Christ who has ascended, but "what does he ascended mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe" (Eph. 4:9-10). This explanation leads to a discussion of the old self and new self. If Jesus does intend this to be understood in both ways, then to be saved means conversion and continually living into the new self. John 3 continues the account with the well known gospel message of John 3:16, but also holds out hope, "whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God" (John 3:21).
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this week, may we also consider the birth we our invited into as part of his life's work. Being reborn offers a fresh start from one's past, but it also involves the continual process of true life. Experience the grace of God in the birth of our Savior this week and share the good news that we serve a God who has a kingdom prepared for us even though there is nothing we can do to be worthy of it!
Merry Christmas to all!
But what if it's meant to be understood "born from above"? As I thought about this, the "from" doesn't mean all humans who will see the kingdom of God need to literally be born and then descend from a higher place, but in Jewish culture (where the heavens are over the earth) it would imply one's spiritual orientation. Think of this as a prelude for Ephesians 4. Here Paul talks about the grace given by Christ who has ascended, but "what does he ascended mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe" (Eph. 4:9-10). This explanation leads to a discussion of the old self and new self. If Jesus does intend this to be understood in both ways, then to be saved means conversion and continually living into the new self. John 3 continues the account with the well known gospel message of John 3:16, but also holds out hope, "whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God" (John 3:21).
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this week, may we also consider the birth we our invited into as part of his life's work. Being reborn offers a fresh start from one's past, but it also involves the continual process of true life. Experience the grace of God in the birth of our Savior this week and share the good news that we serve a God who has a kingdom prepared for us even though there is nothing we can do to be worthy of it!
Merry Christmas to all!
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