“Being born again isn’t something we do. It’s something God does in us.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 19, 2026
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5, ESV
John 3 is considered one of the most important chapters in the Bible, but until digging into it for my Bible study last week, it had been so familiar to me I hadn’t realized what I was missing.
Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night — representing some unidentified group. He calls Jesus “Rabbi” and acknowledges no one could perform the signs he does without God. It’s a respectful greeting, and Nicodemus seems sincere. But Jesus’ response isn’t what he expected. Jesus doesn’t say, “Hey, thanks! You’re a great teacher, too!” Instead, He changes the subject entirely and gets to the point: None of what Nicodemus has achieved matters. He needs an entirely new life.
Nicodemus was wealthy and powerful, a Pharisee, a member of Judaism’s ruling council. He’d climbed to the top of the ladder of religious life. Now, Jesus was telling him to come down. He’d climbed the wrong ladder. What Jesus says he needs isn’t an attitude adjustment or some kind of moral awakening. It’s a whole new start … from birth.
Why does Jesus use those specific words — born again? As I thought about what I’d been taught as a young Christian, something in me was unsettled. You have to admit you’re a sinner, believe, really receive the gift, not just give mental assent.
These things are true, but I don’t think they’re where following Christ begins, because you won’t do any of them without the Holy Spirit. As I spent hours with my Bible and a theology textbook, it became clear there aren’t any “steps” to being “born again.”
Why? New birth (regeneration) is something God does in us. That’s the reason for the “born again” language. No one can make God put His Spirit in him any more than an infant can will himself into the world.
Only the Spirit in a man or woman can cause new birth because God wills it. Jesus didn’t follow formulas when teaching and healing people. And like the wind, the Holy Spirit isn’t predictable either. We only recognize His presence when his work becomes evident in our lives.
Maybe Nicodemus remembered Ezekiel’s words: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you” (Ezekiel 36:26–27). Nicodemus was looking for a new teaching, but he needed a heart transplant. (And who can give himself a heart transplant?)
When you’re born again, you’re a new creation you couldn’t have made yourself. But you’ll have much to do with living out your new identity in Christ. And the fruit of this new life will become recognizable over time.
You’ll understand your need for a Savior; you’ll see sin in your life and want to take action against it. You’ll want to know Jesus. Scripture that never made sense is suddenly fascinating, or patience is slowly growing in you. These are all indications the Spirit is at work in your life.
When Jesus said, “You must be born again,” he wasn’t telling Nicodemus to go do something. I think he was telling him what was going to happen in him. And I believe Nicodemus eventually believed and followed Him (John 7:50–52; 19:39-42).
God loves us while we’re still sinners. With awe and gratitude, I can’t thank him enough for giving me a new life.
Prayer
Lord, help me live out my salvation with gratitude, sharing You with openness and patience, and trusting You for the results.
Application
If you’ve been born again, look for the fruit of it — not to earn anything, but to recognize and rejoice in what God has already done in you. And if you’re unsure, keep seeking. The Spirit goes where He will, but God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Related Reading
John 3; Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:19
Worship Resource
Passion, Kristian Stanfill: Glorious Day
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
