Nicodemus hears “water” mentioned with the new birth. Like many today, he at first fails to see how it fits. What has water to do with a new life?
Later he has time to think about major events surrounding his visit with Jesus. Great crowds are flocking to see John. His strange name – “the Baptizer” – tells that water is central to his mission and message. John claims that God sent him “to baptize with water” (John 1:33).
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins (Mark 1:4-5).
Jesus then enters this scene. What is His first priority?
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him (Matthew 3:13).
Jesus needs no forgiveness, and John resists. But Jesus insists,
“Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).
So Jesus goes into the water. God heartily approves, as shown by His voice from heaven and the Spirit’s arrival. Is baptism the “water” of the new birth?