The encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus is one of the most astounding passages of the Gospel of John. Nicodemus, a Jewish scholar of the Law, came to Jesus by night. He has heard of Jesus and seen miracles he performed. So, he came to Jesus with a certain idea of him: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs unless God is with him.” As usual, Jesus, the true Master, uses the opportunity to make a fundamental revelation to Nicodemus and to us today about eternal life.
Jesus starts by saying to Nicodemus: “I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’’ This extract of the Gospel of John does not tell us why Nicodemus came to Jesus by night. However, underlining it could mean that he was looking for answers regarding his faith as a Jewish teacher.
As the dialogue with Jesus evolved, Nicodemus realised that contrary to what he initially thought, he doesn’t know much about Jesus and eternal life. Thus, he said to Jesus: “How can a grown man be born? Can he go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus replied: “I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be surprised when I say: You must be born from above”.
As a religious teacher, Nicodemus has often taught that eternal life is obtainable through sole practice of the Law of Moses. Jesus reveals to him and to us that the key to eternal life is knowing and believing in Christ Jesus crucified. This same truth is revealed by Jesus in John 17, 3: “And eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent”. So, Jesus is telling us that eternal life starts here on earth. What an amazing and heart-warming truth for all who really believe in him!
The knowledge of who Christ is can be achieved through conversion, and through personal encounter with him. By using the image of being born from above, through water and Spirit Jesus refers us to our heavenly father who has engendered us in His Son Jesus Christ through His Spirit. This new birth starts in us through the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Born from above by the Spirit we can them called God “Papa, Abba”.
Easter period is the ideal time to experience this interior re-awakening, a time for a renewed encounter with the crucified: “…the Son of Man must be lifted up as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so everyone who believes may have eternal life”. Nicodemus probably remembered these words because he was present with Joseph of Arimathea for the burial of Jesus.
Whoever is born of the Spirit experiences an interior freedom, joy and courage to testify to Christ. The radical transformation observed in the life of the apostles and disciples of Jesus is a good example of this rebirth. They moved from darkness, fear, and despair to light, hope and courage to proclaim Jesus.
Indeed, as Jesus said: “What is born of the flesh is flesh; what is born of the Spirit is spirit.” We have examples of works of the flesh as opposed to the works of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5, 19-24 (adultery, sexual immorality, jealousy, drunkenness…) works of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, kindness, self-control…)”.
Dear brothers and sisters, let’s receive this gospel as a call to be renewed from within, to always discern the will of God and grow in our faith and knowledge of Christ.
