Introduction
Have you ever had a misunderstanding with someone? What happened? How did you feel? In our gospel reading (John 3:1–17) Nicodemus and Jesus have a misunderstanding.
Jesus says, “Truly truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3). But Nicodemus goes off on the wrong tangent, “How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” (John 3:4).
Jesus uses the misunderstanding to teach that we are born again in baptism. Like our first flesh & blood birth, baptism is a rebirth that affects who we are, now and forever. It affects us in numerous ways:
1. Nature
By “nature” we mean our DNA, our genetic material. The DNA given to us by our parents predisposes us to certain behaviours & conditions.
Likewise, when we are born again in baptism, God imprints himself on us, giving us his Holy Spirit. His “DNA” infuses our reborn bodies. This predisposes us to certain behaviours & conditions e.g. love, joy, peace.
2. Nurture
Our environment affects us. We become like the environment around us. We emulate our parents and our family.
Likewise, when we are born again in baptism, we begin the process of being transformed to be like our new family. We feed on God’s Word, we hang out with Jesus, our heavenly Father nurtures and cares for us — we become like Him, we love like He loves.
3. Name
There is power in a name. Our name tells something about who we are. Jerry Seinfeld tells a funny story about names.
Likewise, when we are born again in baptism, we are given a new name: the name of the One God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We begin and end our worship in this name. I suggest you begin and end each day in this name.
4. Family
We are born into a family: parents, brothers, sisters, etc. Families stick together and support each other, no matter what.
Likewise, when we are born again in baptism, we are born into a new family, with our heavenly Father, our big brother Jesus, & our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our new family sticks together and supports us.
5. Inheritance
When we are born into a family, it may mean we will inherit something in the future e.g. land, property.
Likewise, when we are born again in baptism, we inherit eternal life. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16).
Being born again in baptism affects us now and forever. Amen.
