John 3:7
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
John 3:7
“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” Jesus anticipates Nicodemus’ astonishment and explains that spiritual birth is not a mechanical process but a spiritual work beyond natural reasoning. The word “ marvel” suggests a call to open the mind and heart to God’s extraordinary, sovereign action. For Nicodemus, a learned teacher of Israel, this was a challenge to surrender traditional understandings of covenant status. Jesus signals that the kingdom operates by Spirit-powered transformation, which may defy worldly expectations. The insistence is pastoral as well: the life Jesus offers often requires a reorientation of identity and allegiance that can seem mysterious to those accustomed to seeing with human eyes.
This verse emphasizes the humility required to receive the gospel. It guards against reducing spiritual birth to human calculations or moral striving. It points to divine sovereignty in regeneration and invites believers to trust God’s unknowable, gracious work. It also gestures toward the ongoing tension between visible religion and inward renewal—the latter being essential for true discipleship.
Practical takeaway: don’t box God into your expectations. If you’re surprised by where God seems to be at work in your life or others’ lives, resist over-rationalizing or dismissing it. Stay curious and receptive to God’s Spirit. For those sharing faith with others, invite questions and catalyze a patient exploration of what it means to be renewed. In daily life, practice openness to change—whether in habits, beliefs, or relationships—that aligns with God’s life within you. Remember that spiritual birth is about ongoing transformation, not just a one-time decision.
Cross-References: Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 11:33; Philippians 2:13