Key Scripture:
John 3:1–19Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
3 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]
9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? 11 Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[e] 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”[g]
16 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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
Day 1: The One Way In
John 3:3
“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
Devotional Thought:
We live in a world that celebrates many paths, many truths, and many options. But Jesus makes a stunningly exclusive claim: “Unless you are born again, you cannot even see the kingdom of God.” This spiritual rebirth isn’t a minor tweak to our lives—it’s a total regeneration. Nicodemus, despite his sincerity, morality, and religious status, needed more than religion—he needed rebirth.
Illustration:
Just like a secure building has a single designated entry point, God’s kingdom has one entrance: new birth by the Spirit.
Reflection Questions:
• Have you personally experienced this spiritual rebirth?
• Are you trusting in religion or relationship?
Prayer:
God, open my eyes to the reality that I must be born again. Help me lay down anything I’ve trusted in apart from Jesus. Amen.
Day 2: It’s Not Your Doing
John 3:6
“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”
Devotional Thought:
Nicodemus asked, “How can this be?” And Jesus points him to a key truth: you can’t birth yourself spiritually. Just like a baby can’t cause its own birth, so too our salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace. It’s not your effort, your record, or your sincerity that brings new life. It’s the Spirit who gives life.
Quote:
“Grace is not opposed to effort, it’s opposed to earning.” – Dallas Willard
Reflection Questions:
• Are you trying to earn your way into God’s presence?
• Do you believe that God’s grace is enough?
Prayer:
Spirit of God, I surrender to Your work in me. I receive the gift of salvation not by my works, but by Your grace. Thank You. Amen.
Day 3: Look and Live
John 3:14–15
“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness… so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.”
Devotional Thought:
In the wilderness, the Israelites were dying from snake bites. God’s remedy? Look at the bronze serpent and live. Jesus says: That was a picture of Me. He would be lifted up on a cross, and all who “look” (believe) in Him would be saved. The answer to our sin, shame, and spiritual death is not to try harder—but to fix our eyes on Jesus.
Illustration:
Imagine being sick with a deadly disease and refusing the medicine because it seemed too simple. That’s what many do with the gospel.
Reflection Questions:
• What are your eyes fixed on for salvation—your efforts or Christ’s sacrifice?
• Have you “looked to Him” to live?
Prayer:
Jesus, You were lifted up for me. Help me to turn my eyes from myself and look to You alone for salvation. Amen.
Day 4: The Narrow Door, Wide Invitation
Matthew 7:14
“Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”John 3:16
“For God so loved the world…”
Devotional Thought:
The kingdom door is narrow—not because God wants to exclude people, but because there’s only one way: Jesus. Yet this narrow door swings wide open to all who believe. The invitation is universal: “whoever believes.” That includes the moral failure, the skeptic, the curious, the religious—and you.
Reflection Questions:
• Are you offended by the narrowness of God’s way?
• Who in your life needs to hear that the invitation is for them too?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that even though the way is narrow, You have made it available to all. Help me to walk the narrow path and invite others to join. Amen.
Day 5: Step Through the Door
John 3:17
“For God did not send His Son to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”
Devotional Thought:
Many imagine God as a cosmic judge waiting to catch them out. But Jesus came not to slam the door shut—but to open it wide. He came to save, not condemn. And yet, the choice is ours. The door is open, but you must walk through it. You don’t have to be perfect, just willing. This is your moment.
Application:
Today, if you’ve never truly responded to the invitation, now is the time. Don’t delay. And if you have, take time to thank God and pray for someone else to walk through that door too.
Reflection Questions:
• Have you walked through the door of salvation?
• Who could you help find the way this week?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that You came not to condemn me but to save me. I receive Your life, and I walk through the door You opened. Lead me to help others find that same life. Amen.