John 3:1-8, Ezekiel 36:25-27

Following on from last week's talk about who the real Jesus of the gospels is, today we consider the sort of life he promises to bring.

In his interaction with Nicodemus, Jesus promises something more radical than any religious, political or social leader has ever offered. He says that what humanity’s needs goes beyond sociological, economic, or political revolutions, and beyond psychological revolutions. Jesus says humanity's problems all stem from a spiritual problem, so only a spiritual solution will do. He says everyone must be born again. Only with the spiritual cleansing, washing and refreshing of the new birth found in him and by his Spirit, will lives be fundamentally changed.

As God himself, Jesus is uniquely able to provide this for all who turn to him.

By Ed Flint