Nicodemus and the New Birth

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus by night seeking understanding of salvation. This encounter reveals the necessity of spiritual rebirth.

Nicodemus and the New Birth

John 3:1-21

1. There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10. Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
11. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.
12. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
13. And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
14. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
21. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Sermons Related to this Bible Chapter - Nicodemus and the New Birth

Bible Red Thread 12: A Rescue Offer 1 (John 3) : John 3:1-5 / Darby 1. But there was a man from among the Pharisees, his name Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; 2. he came to him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art come a teacher from God, for none can do these signs that thou doest unless God be with him. 3. Jesus answered and said to him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except any one be born anew he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4. Nicodemus says to him, How can a man be born being old? can he enter a second time into the womb of his mother and be born? 5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except anyone be born of water and of spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Back to Index

A nighttime scene in Jerusalem; Jesus, dimly lit, speaks earnestly to Nicodemus in a quiet courtyard, the expressions of both men are conveying serious conversation and Nicodemus's struggle with understanding. The nighttime conversation emphasizes the private and personal nature of Nicodemus's quest for spiritual truth and enlightenment.

A meticulously detailed depiction of a single tear rolling down Nicodemus’s cheek after his encounter with Jesus, symbolizing his heartfelt remorse and newfound spiritual understanding. The context should be evident from his garments. The single tear symbolizes the emotional impact of Jesus's words on Nicodemus, illustrating the profound and transformative nature of their encounter.

A close up of a hand gently planting a small seed in fertile soil, symbolizing the act of faith and the beginning of spiritual growth. The seed represents the new birth and the soil shows potential for growth. The act of planting a seed represents the faith and commitment required for spiritual growth, mirroring the concept of 'new birth' in John 3.

A close-up of a weathered, ancient scroll depicting the dialogue between Nicodemus and Jesus, focusing on the Hebrew characters for 'new birth'. The scroll is partially unfurled, revealing the text in a dimly lit room, illuminated by a single oil lamp. This prompt focuses on the textual aspect of the encounter, emphasizing the importance of 'new birth' as a central theme. The dimly lit setting enhances the sense of mystery and spiritual seeking.

Macro shot of a single, dew-kissed olive leaf, its veins and texture sharply defined, symbolizing the spiritual growth and transformation spoken of in John 3. This macro image uses the olive leaf, a symbol of peace and abundance, to convey the potential for spiritual growth and renewal, representing the new life promised in John 3.

A vibrant sunrise bathes a field of wheat in golden light, the stalks representing the potential for new life in the heart of a believer. Nicodemus's shadow is cast against a wall nearby, looking towards the field. The rising sun symbolizes hope and the promise of a new beginning, reflecting the transformative power of faith discussed in the encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus.

Golden morning light streams through the branches of an olive tree, illuminating the dust motes in the air. A single bird takes flight, symbolizing the freedom found in spiritual rebirth, as described in John 3. Morning light and the bird's flight represent the freedom and joy that result from spiritual rebirth, as spoken about in <a href=

John 3:3-8 .' /> Silhouetted against a sunset, a lone fig tree stands on a hill overlooking Jerusalem. The twilight sky reflects the spiritual darkness Nicodemus wrestles with, leading to his encounter with Christ. The setting sun symbolizes the darkness of spiritual uncertainty that Nicodemus experiences, leading him to seek spiritual guidance.

Silhouetted against a sunset, a lone fig tree stands on a hill overlooking Jerusalem. The twilight sky reflects the spiritual darkness Nicodemus wrestles with, leading to his encounter with Christ. The setting sun symbolizes the darkness of spiritual uncertainty that Nicodemus experiences, leading him to seek spiritual guidance.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows, a group of people gather around a small fire, their faces illuminated by its flickering light. Their gestures are suggestive of shared contemplation and spiritual struggle. The gathering around the fire symbolizes communal spirituality and the sharing of experiences and struggles that are inherent to spiritual journeys.

A bustling Jerusalem marketplace in the early morning, filled with people going about their daily lives. Nicodemus, distinguishable by his clothing, stands apart in contemplation, his face bearing a serious expression. The bustling marketplace contrasts with Nicodemus's quiet contemplation, highlighting the inward spiritual struggle against the backdrop of everyday life.

A group of Pharisees, including Nicodemus, walk through the dimly lit streets of Jerusalem at night. The shadows cast long and dark, reflecting their spiritual uncertainty. The shadowy, nighttime setting highlights the secrecy and apprehension associated with Nicodemus’ initial approach to Jesus.

Nicodemus, illuminated by moonlight, kneels before a small, simple altar, his head bowed in prayer. His hands are clasped in supplication, symbolizing his plea for spiritual understanding. Nicodemus's prayer reflects his humble supplication for understanding and the depth of his spiritual seeking.

overlayed with the bible verse 1. There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

NOTE: The images reflect the following descriptions related to the theme : Nicodemus and the New Birth

A close-up of a weathered, ancient scroll depicting the dialogue between Nicodemus and Jesus, focusing on the Hebrew characters for 'new birth'. The scroll is partially unfurled, revealing the text in a dimly lit room, illuminated by a single oil lamp.
Macro shot of a single, dew-kissed olive leaf, its veins and texture sharply defined, symbolizing the spiritual growth and transformation spoken of in John 3.
A vibrant sunrise bathes a field of wheat in golden light, the stalks representing the potential for new life in the heart of a believer. Nicodemus's shadow is cast against a wall nearby, looking towards the field.
Golden morning light streams through the branches of an olive tree, illuminating the dust motes in the air. A single bird takes flight, symbolizing the freedom found in spiritual rebirth, as described in John 3.
Silhouetted against a sunset, a lone fig tree stands on a hill overlooking Jerusalem. The twilight sky reflects the spiritual darkness Nicodemus wrestles with, leading to his encounter with Christ.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows, a group of people gather around a small fire, their faces illuminated by its flickering light. Their gestures are suggestive of shared contemplation and spiritual struggle.
A bustling Jerusalem marketplace in the early morning, filled with people going about their daily lives. Nicodemus, distinguishable by his clothing, stands apart in contemplation, his face bearing a serious expression.
A group of Pharisees, including Nicodemus, walk through the dimly lit streets of Jerusalem at night. The shadows cast long and dark, reflecting their spiritual uncertainty.
Nicodemus, illuminated by moonlight, kneels before a small, simple altar, his head bowed in prayer. His hands are clasped in supplication, symbolizing his plea for spiritual understanding.
A nighttime scene in Jerusalem; Jesus, dimly lit, speaks earnestly to Nicodemus in a quiet courtyard, the expressions of both men are conveying serious conversation and Nicodemus's struggle with understanding.
A meticulously detailed depiction of a single tear rolling down Nicodemus’s cheek after his encounter with Jesus, symbolizing his heartfelt remorse and newfound spiritual understanding. The context should be evident from his garments.
A close up of a hand gently planting a small seed in fertile soil, symbolizing the act of faith and the beginning of spiritual growth. The seed represents the new birth and the soil shows potential for growth.

General themes for this chapter of the Bible: Nicodemus Visits Jesus; New Birth; The Bronze Serpent; John's Testimony

A link to this resource is much appreciated to let others know about this free christian resource. The AB Church in LAusanne-Renens is happy to make the image collection available for free.

Other Galleries for this theme / Bible book

Feeding the 5000: A Miracle of Provision
Healing at Bethesda: Jesus' Authority and Compassion
Healing of the Man Born Blind
Jesus' Final Appearance and Peter's Restoration
Jesus' High Priestly Prayer: A Plea for Unity
Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
Nicodemus and the New Birth
Raising of Lazarus - A New Life
Resurrection Appearances: Disciples' Joy and Doubt
The Good Shepherd and His Flock: John 10
The Samaritan Woman and the Healing of an Official's Son
The Vine and the Branches: Abiding in Christ
The Word Made Flesh: John's Testimony
The Work of the Holy Spirit: John's Gospel
Triumphal Entry and Jesus Predicts His Death
Wedding at Cana and Temple Cleansing

Related Nature Images With Bible Verses

Visit other nature images in Gospel of John 3