John 3:1-7

In this passage from the New Testament of the Bible, a Pharisee named Nicodemus, who is a member of the Jewish ruling council, comes to Jesus at night. He acknowledges that Jesus is a teacher who has come from God, as evidenced by the miraculous signs he performs.

Jesus responds by telling Nicodemus that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Nicodemus is confused and questions how someone can be born again when they are old—surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb.

Jesus clarifies that being "born again" means being born of water and the Spirit. He explains that flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Jesus emphasizes the necessity of this spiritual rebirth to enter the kingdom of God and advises Nicodemus not to be amazed by this truth.