John 3:3

In response to Nicodemous’ inquisition Jesus positively and vehemently goes straight to the heart of the matter. Here the Truth gives us the truth red flagging us to the importance of His words - “no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Not only born of man, but born from above. John affirms this truth in chapter one of his gospel as well:

10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:10-13 (NIV)

Ignorance and sin will blind our eyes preventing our recognition of Him not too dissimilar to those who witnessed Jesus at His incarnation. Even many of His own people did not recognize Him – rejecting Him – refusing to accept Him – bringing to life Isaiah’s words:

1 Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? Isaiah 53:1 (NIV)

So few people acknowledged, so few; yet, praise God this unbelief was not universal.

“To all who accepted Jesus as the Revealer of the Father’s will and as the Sacrifice for sin, He gave the right to become children of God.” Bible Knowledge Commentary

Jesus holds out to all of us the right to become a child of the King. Ever want to be a princess? Ever want to be a prince? Now is your chance! It is not just enough for us to behold and admire Christ’s miracles or to give verbal assent to His mission we must have a change of the spirit within us which, as Jesus states, is the equivalent to a new birth. Birth is the beginning of a new life – to be born again is to begin anew. And to be born from above is to begin anew through the power of the Holy Spirit who equips us to flesh out this new life. Otherwise, we would begin anew in our own flesh – striving against the wind – kicking against the goads - only to fail again. Flesh begets flesh but the Spirit, hallelujah, begets the spirit.

Interestingly, the Magi came looking for a king who was “born King” not a king who had obtained his position through political maneuvering or military power but rather One that was rightfully born into the position. No usurper would do. Rightful heirs were kings who cared for their people and the people honored them, they were vital to their communities and they assured legitimacy and stability. Those born from above have experienced a new birth – a beginning of a new life not obtained by our own power or maneuvering but given by God:

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, 1 Peter 1:3-6 (NIV)

23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)

When we pray to receive Christ as our Savior, asking Him to come into our lives as Lord, He bestows upon us the Holy Spirit which is the good Gift Jesus mentions in Luke:

11 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)

Never are we made more aware of giving gifts than at Christmas. Our children’s lists (and perhaps even our own) are miles long. If, like me, you enjoy the gift of giving it is a pursuit to find just the perfect present making the eyes sparkle of those we love on Christmas morning. God is the Giver of every perfect gift. James tells us:

16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:16-18 (NIV)

Indeed, John 3:16 shows us God’s giving comes from the outflow of His love for us:

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. John 3:16 (NIV)

Satan comes bearing the “gifts” of sin and death – no matter how beautifully he wraps and presents the package yet Jesus comes offering salvation and fullness of life wrapped in the packages of humility, love and service.

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 (NIV)