Daily Devotion

Monday, January 19, 2026  

Today's Scripture
John 2:23–3:15

When he was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many believed in his name because they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part would not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to testify about anyone; for he himself knew what was in everyone.

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?

“Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. (NRSV)

Jesus is attracting a lot of attention! John tells us that many believed in him because they witnessed signs and wonders (like turning water into wine) and saw him speak and act with authority (like cleansing the temple). It’s enough to make Nicodemus curious, but he’s a Pharisee (even a leader in their ruling council), so he plays it safe, approaching Jesus under the cover of night. At first, Nicodemus simply testifies to what he sees — Jesus performs miracles that are possible only because God is in him — but starts asking questions when he hears Jesus’ provocative response: “no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.”

Nicodemus’ clumsy questioning sets Jesus up to suggest the language of being “born again.” This language is popular in many Christian traditions, and some Christians can point to a powerful experience of rebirth as a crucial moment in their faith journeys. But let’s look at Nicodemus — when we next see him, he’s quietly defending Jesus to his colleagues. Later, after Jesus’ death, Nicodemus brings an abundance of spices and anoints Jesus’ body for burial.

Nicodemus’ faith journey started with curiosity and questioning, leading to cautious support for Jesus and ending with the extravagant care he offered Jesus’ body. But John never tells us that Nicodemus was “born anew,” and the picture he paints is of a man experiencing a quiet transformation.

This reminds us that there is no single way to meet Jesus. Although some of us can pinpoint a precise day and time we accepted Jesus, others cannot recall a single moment when they didn’t identify as Christian. And still others find that Nicodemus’ thoughtful and low-key journey resonates. We all have our own experiences of growing in faith — thanks be to God for inviting us to find our own path.

Prayer

Holy God, bless our curiosity and our questions. Bless each step and misstep on our journey of faith. And bless those we meet along the way. Amen.   

Written by Amy Pagliarella, Parish Associate for Caring Ministries

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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