Born of Water and Spirit

When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone. Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So, it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? ‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 2:23-3:15

Today we hear the story of Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus is very brave, coming to Jesus, since as a Pharisee, he would have been in terrible trouble for the encounter. He was to uphold and teach the traditional ways. And yet his heart was moved. He came to Jesus in the night for fear of retribution. His conversation with Jesus is both poignant and memorable. We are called to be born of water and the spirit. Born sacred by willing ourselves over to the transforming power of God in Jesus. Putting aside all fear, we are called to a heavenly rebirth in this season, a birth where love triumphs over all the world, where freedom is given to us as we serve. 

Marvelous Creator, source of all life

you breathe over creation and renew it

you sing sacred songs to enliven us

and you hold us when fear overwhelms us.

We cling to the traditions that bind us

we judge the people and things we fear

yet you call us to be born anew today

with sacred water and love's holy spirit.

Make us your children, your family today

so we might thrive and serve in scary times

so we might be heralds of your compassion

bringing unconditional love to our present chaos. Amen.