John 3:9 – “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Nicodemus responds to Jesus with confusion. Jesus has been explaining the necessity of being “born again” through the work of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8). Nicodemus, a respected religious leader, does not understand how this could be possible.
His question, “How can this be?”, shows that he is struggling to grasp the spiritual truth Jesus is revealing. Nicodemus had spent his whole life studying the Scriptures and following religious laws, yet Jesus’ teaching challenged everything he thought he knew. He was expecting a Messiah who would bring political deliverance, but Jesus was speaking about a completely different kind of transformation—one that happens inside a person through the Spirit of God.
This verse reveals an important truth: even those who are highly educated in religion can still miss the heart of what God is doing. Nicodemus was looking at things from a human perspective, but Jesus was calling him to see things spiritually.
Historical Context
Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews. The Pharisees were devoted to the Scriptures and followed a strict code of religious laws. They believed that obedience to the law and being part of the Jewish people was what made someone right with God.
However, Jesus was teaching something radical: entrance into God’s kingdom is not based on religious background or moral effort but on a new birth that only the Spirit of God can give.
Nicodemus should have been familiar with Old Testament teachings about God changing people’s hearts (Ezekiel 36:26-27, Jeremiah 31:33), but he was struggling to connect them to what Jesus was saying. Like many of the religious leaders of his time, he had focused so much on external obedience that he had missed the deeper spiritual reality.
His confusion reflects the mindset of many religious people in Jesus’ day—and in our own time—who believe that being “good” or following religious traditions is enough, when in reality, a person needs a complete spiritual transformation.
Theological Implications
Nicodemus’ question shows that human wisdom alone cannot understand spiritual truths. No matter how much knowledge someone has, they need the Spirit of God to open their eyes to the truth.
This verse also reveals that salvation is not something people can achieve by their own efforts. Nicodemus was used to thinking in terms of what a person must do, but Jesus was talking about what God must do in a person. This is a key truth of the gospel:
- Salvation is not about human effort but about God’s grace.
- The new birth is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit.
- Spiritual truth is revealed by God, not just understood by human logic.
Nicodemus’ confusion reminds us that many people struggle to understand the gospel at first. Jesus’ response in the following verses shows that God does not leave people in their confusion—He provides the truth and calls them to believe.
Literary Analysis
This verse is a turning point in Nicodemus’ conversation with Jesus. Up to this point, Nicodemus has been engaging with Jesus in a respectful but somewhat cautious manner. Now, his words show deeper confusion.
The phrase “How can this be?” is not just an intellectual question—it expresses Nicodemus’ deep struggle to understand how God’s kingdom works. His whole way of thinking is being challenged, and he is wrestling with the implications.
John’s Gospel often presents characters who misunderstand Jesus’ teachings at first (John 4:11, John 6:52), which then allows Jesus to explain deeper truths. This pattern highlights that spiritual truth is not always immediately clear to human minds—it requires God’s revelation.
Biblical Cross-References
- Ezekiel 36:26-27 – God promises to give His people a new heart and put His Spirit in them.
- Jeremiah 31:33 – God says He will write His law on people’s hearts, not just on stone tablets.
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 – The natural person cannot understand the things of the Spirit, because they are spiritually discerned.
- Titus 3:5 – Salvation is not by works but by the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
- John 1:12-13 – Those who receive Jesus are “born of God,” not of human will.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
Many people today, like Nicodemus, struggle to understand the gospel. They may believe in God, go to church, and even try to live a moral life, but they have not yet grasped the truth that salvation is a supernatural work of God.
This verse reminds us that knowing about God is not the same as knowing God personally. A person can be religious but still not be born again.
For believers, this verse is a reminder that when we share the gospel, people may not understand it right away. Instead of being frustrated, we should follow Jesus’ example—patiently explaining the truth and trusting the Holy Spirit to work in people’s hearts.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He patiently leads people to the truth. Jesus does not respond to Nicodemus with anger or mockery. Instead, He continues to teach him, guiding him toward a deeper understanding.
This verse also shows that God does not expect people to figure everything out on their own. He reveals His truth through Jesus and gives the Holy Spirit to help people understand. Even when people struggle to believe, God continues to draw them to Himself.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the only one who can answer Nicodemus’ question. In the next few verses, He will explain that the new birth is made possible through His coming death and resurrection (John 3:14-16).
Nicodemus’ question reflects a common human struggle: How can salvation be possible? The answer is found in Jesus. He is the one who makes spiritual rebirth possible through His sacrifice.
Later in John’s Gospel, we see that Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus changed him. He speaks up in defense of Jesus (John 7:50-51) and later helps bury Jesus’ body (John 19:39), suggesting that he eventually came to believe. This shows that God is patient with those who seek Him and that an initial struggle to understand does not mean someone is beyond salvation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Nicodemus struggled to understand Jesus’ teaching about being born again?
- How do people today respond in similar ways when they hear the gospel?
- Have you ever had moments where you struggled to understand or accept something God was teaching you? How did He guide you?
- How does Nicodemus’ story encourage us to be patient when sharing the gospel with others?
- How does this passage challenge the idea that religion or morality can save a person?
Nicodemus’ question—“How can this be?”—is one that many people still ask today. The good news is that Jesus provides the answer. He is the way to new life, and through Him, anyone can be born again.