Understanding

Friday, December 5th, 2025

9:42 am

Good morning! Today we are continuing on in John 3:3-12. We are still with Nicodemus and Jesus on the roof. He is questioning Jesus. Jesus tells him that, "unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Nicodemus does not understand how a person can be born again, so Jesus explains it a little more. He says that, "no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life" (John 3:5-6). He goes on to tell Nicodemus that, "just as you can hear the wind, but can't tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit (John 3:8)." Nicodemus is still confused, not understanding how these things are possible. Jesus goes on to tell him that, He tells him what He was seen, but he still does not believe. That if he doesn't believe about earthly things, how can he believe heavenly things.

We must remember that Nicodemus is a high up, Jewish, religious leader, a Pharisee. He knew the Old Testament, but he still did not understand. I add the full quotes in here because these things are so important right now for us. Nicodemus had lots of knowledge, but he was still confused. But Jesus tells us just like He tells Nicodemus, no one can fully understand how the Holy Spirit works, but it is up to us to believe that He was sent to us by God.

Having lots of knowledge about the Bible is not enough. We have to believe in the One who sent us the Word. We have to believe what it says to us, and why. We have to know God spiritually through His Word. The notes in my Bible states, "knowledge is not salvation". I love that! Salvation comes for Jesus, offered by God. As we read God's Word, He reveals more and more to us. Just as Jesus explained these things to Nicodemus, He is speaking directly to us. Helping us understand things that only God can give us understanding about. His Word does that for us.

Are there things in God's Word that you struggle understanding? We all have questions and need more understanding about different things. You can ask God to reveal these things to you. He will. He wants you to understand more and more about Him, because when you do, you can help others around you understand too. That is the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding every time you get into God's Word, and He will help you.