What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus that he must be “born again”? Join us as we explore Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. Discover why the concept was so difficult for Nicodemus to grasp and why we also sometimes struggle with the truth that is so central to the Christian faith. Receive Jesus often said things that unsettled the very people who thought they understood God best. When He told Nicodemus he must be “born again,” it didn’t fit his framework—and he struggled to receive it. Where might the same be true for you? Is there anything—assumptions, expectations, past experiences—that could be shaping how you hear Jesus’ words today? Ask God to gently reveal and release anything that’s getting in the way. Nicodemus didn’t understand everything at first, but he kept moving toward Jesus—stepping out of the shadows, speaking up, and showing up when it mattered most. What might your next step toward Jesus look like? Reflect * Read John 3. As you reflect on the chapter, what stands out to you? * Why do you think Nicodemus struggled to understand the meaning of being “born again” that Jesus mentioned in John 3:14 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A1 4&version=NIV )? * According to John 3:515 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A5 15&version=NIV ), why must Jesus’ followers be “born again”? * Based on John 7:5051 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%207%3A50 51&version=NIV ) and John 19:3842 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2019%3A38 42&version=NIV ), do you think Nicodemus eventually understood what it meant to be “born again” and became a follower of Jesus? * How does John 3:1617 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203%3A16 17&version=NIV ) encourage you as you read about God’s immense love for you? Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Dear God, thank You that by Your Holy Spirit I can be born into Your kingdom. Thank You for renewing and cleansing me. Help me overcome any baggage that may be hindering me from completely receiving Your gift of eternal life through Your Son Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. Help me as I seek to live for You.” Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: * I Am the Way ( https://go.odb.org/dtw i am the way ) * The Chosen Season 1, Episode 2 ( https://watch.thechosen.tv/video/184683594335 ) * The Chosen Season 1, Episode 7 ( https://watch.thechosen.tv/video/184683594340 ) Listen: * The Pharisees Week 1 ( https://discovertheword.org/series/the pharisees week 1/ ) * For God So Loved ( https://discovertheword.org/series/for god so loved/ ) Read: * Love: What does Jesus see when he looks at me? ( https://go.odb.org/dtw love what does jesus see ) * The Gospel Here and Now ( https://go.odb.org/dtw the gospel here and now ) * Jesus and Nicodemus ( https://go.odb.org/dtw jesus and nicodemus ) Watch: * God Loves You! ( https://go.odb.org/dtw god loves you devo ) * God’s Daily Love ( https://go.odb.org/dtw gods daily love ) Discover the Word Podcast Episode 265 May 24, 2026 ? Episode details: https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1c5f690 ? Additional episodes: https://discovertheword.org/
