John 3:10

"Nicodemus answered him, “How can these things be?”"

Key Reflection

In the cultural context of first-century Israel, Nicodemus's question, "How can these things be?" reflects his struggle to understand Jesus' teachings, particularly regarding spiritual rebirth and the new birth through faith in Christ (John 3:3-5). For Nicodemus, a religious leader well-versed in traditional Jewish thought, this concept of being born anew from above was both perplexing and challenging. His query indicates a desire for clarity while also hinting at his initial resistance to fully embracing the radical nature of Jesus' message.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 10. A master of Israel. A teacher of Israel; the same word that in the second verse is translated teacher. As such a teacher he ought to have understood this doctrine. It was not new, but was clearly taught in the Old Testament. See particularly Ps 51:10,16-17; Eze 11:19; 36:26. It may seem surprising that a man whose business it was to teach the people should be a stranger to so plain and important a doctrine; but when worldly-minded men are placed in offices of religion--when they seek those offices for the sake of ease or reputation, it is no wonder that they are strangers to the plai

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