You are a teacher (learned) but you do not understand what I am telling you...?

The conversation between Yeshua and Nicodemus: Being Born Again vs Renewing your mind 

Concordant Version of Old Testament and Concordant Literal New Testament with Keyword Concordance - John 3:1-12; Hebrews 8:10-11; Romans 12:1-2

John 3:1–12 records a meaningful conversation between Yeshua and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. Nicodemus came to Yeshua at night, apparently recognizing that Yeshua’s teachings and miracles could not be dismissed as ordinary human works.

Yeshua immediately took the conversation deeper than religious knowledge. He told Nicodemus that “unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus understood the statement literally and wondered how an adult could be born again. Yeshua was pointing to something beyond physical birth—the work of spirit in bringing a person into a new spiritual reality.

Yeshua then distinguished between flesh and spirit: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is spirit” (John 3:6). Human effort, religious position, education, or ancestry cannot accomplish what only God’s spirit can accomplish.

The passage ultimately challenges us to look beyond religion, human effort, and physical understanding and recognize the work of God’s spirit. Yeshua was teaching Nicodemus that the things of God cannot always be understood through human reasoning alone. As he says in verse 12, if Nicodemus struggled to believe what Yeshua explained about terrestrial (earthly) things, how would he believe when Yeshua spoke about celestial things?

The central lesson of John 3:1–12 is this: the work of God in a person is deeper than religious activity or human effort. It is a work that comes from above, through the spirit. However, this is just on the surface - This is what is generally known by many bible readers. Let me dive deeper for you to know what it actually means. You see, Yeshua had a heart to heart talk with one of the greatest teachers in the land of Jew. This conversation should not be taken lightly. This is why you are encouraged to read this week's blog to the end - taking you from known to unknown...

This is what the conversation between Yeshua and Nicodemus actually means:

The conversation between Yeshua and Nicodemus was all about the people and the nation of Israel. Yeshua was telling Nicodemus of what was necessary for him and the people of Israel to enter into the kingdom of God. First of all, the land of Israel has been polluted. Second of all, the people of Israel needs different heart. Therefore, it would not not be fit for them to see the kingdom of God unless these two things are changed. Israelites, especially Jews had been looking forward to seeing the kingdom of God. They thought the birth of Yeshua would bring this to fulfilment. Some thought Yeshua's arrival would take over the government from the Romans and give it back to the Israelites - Jews. 

The outcome of Yeshua's presence on earth, especially in the land of Judea was a disappointment to many. His wonderful teachings and miracles were not enough to them. They had expected Yeshua to become the king of Jew who would take over the government from the Romans. This is one of the reasons Judas Iscariot sold him to the Pharisees when he realized that Yeshua was not ready to take over the government from the Jews.

So, when Yeshua informed Nicodemus that "you must be gotten a new". He was using synecdoche to express what must happen not only to Nicodemus but also the entire household of Israel. Their hearts need to be gotten a new. The land they occupy needs to be gotten a new. Synecdoche is a part of speech when a part of something is used to represent a whole part. In English language, the word "you" can be used for a person or many people. That is why the word, "you" is plural.

Writing the laws into their hearts not on the tablets

What does this mean to you? It means the written laws have no impact in changing behaviors of people. Instead, it exposes sins. Israel suffered a lot in the hands of their enemies despite the fact that they were being governed by the written Ten Commandments. In the future, God's laws will no longer be written on tablets but in the hearts of his people- Hebrews 8:10-11. This would bring transformation from within. It means Israelites will no longer struggle with sinning. This is not out humans but from God himself. It means this effort will be made by God himself. No need for human's contributions.

The land to be gotten a new - 

Revelation 21 discussed in detail about the new Jerusalem. That means this land would be gotten a new in the future. This is why Yeshua stopped revealing the future events to Nicodemus when he realized that he was going too far with him. He let him know that a man of high standard like Nicodemus would be blown away if he speaks of celestial things because the terrestrial things divulged to him were already putting Nicodemus's mind into disarray. Nicodemus was already at sea - confused. 

So, how did Paul resolve this confusion?

In Romans 12:1-2, Paul admonished people to offer themselves as living sacrifice unto God. He further stated that people should be transformed by renewing their minds to be testing the will of God which is good and pleasing. In other words, living according to the word of God helps us to renew our hearts. Not conforming with this world simply means that we should stay clear of what people who do not have fear of God may do. The fear of God is the cradle/beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). The word of God helps to continuously clean us from our ill-behaviors. The spirit of God helps us to do the biddings of God (Philippians 2:13). This is why we would not have to struggle with sinning. It does not mean we would be without sin, but we would live life justified and acceptable before God. This is applicable to both Jews and Non-Jews. Renewing your mind is not a one-time event. It is daily event. It just the way you renew your clothes, shoes and tools when they are dirty. You take bath and brush your teeth daily because they become dirty each day. You clean them and they become like new. Your heart is being cleaned by the word of God daily - Ephesians 5:26.

So, where did the phrase, "born again" come from? It is definitely from Christian theologians. Literally, being born again is what Nicodemus was thinking - to be given birth again by your mother. However, Yeshua was not referring to either what Nicodemus was thinking or the conclusion of Christians on this conversation. 

Now, you have known the truth about their conversation. Not what many bible teachers believe it is.

I hope this week's blog has educated you on the issue of being born again and renewing your mind.

More lesson will be shared with you next week by the special grace of Yahweh. As a matter of fact, I hope to discuss 2 Corinthians 5:17 next week. Please, look forward to reading it. 

Your comments/questions are welcome but please, be respectful and be clear with them.

Grace and Peace!

Reference:

https://www.concordant.org/version/read-concordant-new-testament-online/