Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Jesus is having a private, nighttime conversation with a man named Nicodemus — a Pharisee, which means a highly respected Jewish religious leader and scholar. Nicodemus came to Jesus quietly, likely to avoid the controversy of being seen with him publicly. Earlier in the exchange, Jesus made the startling claim that no one can see the kingdom of God without being "born again" — a phrase that could also be translated "born from above." Nicodemus, confused and perhaps a little stung, asked how a grown person could possibly be born a second time. Jesus responds here with a kind of unhurried astonishment: don't be surprised by this. Spiritual rebirth — a true new beginning from the inside out — isn't just one option. It's the thing.
Jesus, I confess I often try to clean myself up rather than asking you to make me new. Do what only you can do in me — not just better behavior on the surface, but a genuinely new heart underneath. I need that more than I like to admit. Amen.
There's a particular confidence in the way Jesus says this — not harsh, but completely unfazed. He doesn't soften the idea because Nicodemus is important. He doesn't walk it back when it causes confusion. Don't be surprised. As if Jesus had fully expected that this truth would be difficult, and wasn't the least bit bothered by that. Nicodemus was educated, devout, accomplished — a man who had given his whole life to understanding God. And Jesus was essentially saying: all of that is not the same thing as being made new. Maybe you've been around faith long enough that "born again" has started to sound like a bumper sticker. Or maybe you've never really understood what it's supposed to mean. Here's what Jesus seems to be pointing at: it's not a religious performance upgrade. It's not trying harder or knowing more scripture. It's a transformation so deep it's like starting a whole new life — new orientation, new desires, new eyes. The kind of change you genuinely cannot manufacture from the outside in. And Jesus doesn't tell Nicodemus to go achieve it. He points to the Spirit as the one doing the work. Which means your part is less about striving and more about surrender — and for most of us, that's the harder ask.
What do you think Jesus means by being 'born again' — and how is that different from simply deciding to be a better person or follow a new set of rules?
Has your understanding of what it means to be born again changed over time — and if so, what shifted for you?
Jesus says Nicodemus — a deeply religious man — still needs this transformation. Does religiosity ever become a substitute for genuine inner change? Have you seen that pattern in yourself?
How do you treat people who seem spiritually far from God — with patience, like someone who hasn't yet experienced this transformation, or with frustration that they 'just don't get it'?
Is there an area of your life where you're still trying to change yourself from the outside in rather than asking God to do something new from the inside out — and what would surrender actually look like there?
Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Isaiah 43:7
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Ephesians 4:24
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:44
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Matthew 3:14
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:3
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
Ephesians 4:22
Do not be surprised that I have told you, 'You must be born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].'
AMP
Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
ESV
'Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'
NASB
You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
NIV
Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
NKJV
So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’
NLT
"So don't be so surprised when I tell you that you have to be 'born from above'—out of this world, so to speak.
MSG