March 1, 2026
John 3:1-7
It seems that as the days change and seasons slide into one another, that our own lives can have trouble keeping up. We want to live the best lives possible, but often find that even those that we rely on for clear meanings and interpretations have to admit to a cloudiness of vision.
In today’s scripture, John 3: 1-17, given for meditation and reflection, we find an important and learned man, Nicodemus, facing those same needs for clarification. He is well respected and possibly doesn’t want his reputation damaged in any way by coming to ask Jesus for guidance. Therefore, he comes under the cloak of darkness. Nicodemus comes to truly ask Jesus who He is. Jesus’ response is not of this world and creates even more confusion, as it does with us, “to see the kingdom of God you must be born again.”
Wait a minute! In Jesus’ time, as well as our own, that can’t happen. Anyone who has given birth or been with someone in labor knows a child, especially a person fully grown, can’t return to the womb. Therefore, Jesus can’t be speaking about the physical realm we live in, but one of a spiritual nature. Jesus has spoken to us earthly things and we don’t believe. Now He asks us to believe of a spiritual life.
With the ending of this scripture, one of the most relatable pieces is hand to us: John 3:16 – “For God so love that world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have Eternal life.
Use what you have learned of what is expected in our physical world and translate that into setting a living example in the spiritual life.
Prayer: Good and Gracious God, walk alongside us and untangle our minds and hearts so that the things that we don’t seem to understand make sense. Help us to show your love and work within our communities. Let us be the light that you have lit during this season.
Barbara Hassall
Elder, The Sanctuary Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tropical Florida Presbytery
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