Nicodemus is like many of us. He likes his nation and his race. He feels very special because of his parents and famous forefathers.
Nicodemus may even feel better than most of us. He is born of the noble blood of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Like most Jews of his time, Nicodemus thinks the Messiah will rule over Israel as a nation. Birth has already placed him in that nation. Therefore, by birthright, he ought to be a citizen of the Messiah’s kingdom.
What a shock, then, to hear John the Baptizer. Far from praising leaders of Abraham’s family, John calls them a family of snakes! He warns that their birth as Jews will not save them from punishment.
“You brood of vipers! … And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham (Matthew 3:7-9).
Jesus adds another surprise. Anyone seeking to enter God’s kingdom must be born again! Nicodemus thinks only of another fleshly birth. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” (John 3:4). Jesus is requiring spiritual re-birth. He explains,
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6).
Nicodemus comes from the best fleshly line in the world. He belongs to the chosen race. He seems to be a natural heir of the kingdom promised to Israel. If another birth is needed, what does that say about his fleshly birth? Why is fleshly birth not enough?