Some of the leaders challenged him and said, “Who gave you the authority to do this? Give us a sign.”

He said, “Tear down this temple and I’ll build it again in three days.” They were amazed! They didn’t realize he was talking about his own body.

Others gathered around Jesus during the Passover and listened to his teaching. They believed in him when they saw his miracles.

Nicodemus was a Jewish ruler and a Pharisee. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Teacher, we know you’re from God because we see your miracles.”

Jesus got right to the point, “Listen to me carefully. Unless a person is born again, he can’t see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus was shocked. “That’s impossible! How can a man get back in his mother’s womb and be born a second time?”

Jesus explained, “To get to heaven, a person has to experience both physical birth and spiritual birth. If you’re only born once, you’ll focus on the things of this earth. Those who are born spiritually focus on the things of the Spirit. You must be born a second time.

“Don’t be so amazed. There are many things you can’t see with your eyes. You hear and feel the wind, but you can’t see it. So it is with the Spirit of God.”

Nicodemus shook his head, “I just don’t understand.”

Jesus sat back and looked at him. “You are a teacher of Israel, and you don’t understand these things?

“In the wilderness, the people of Israel complained against God. He sent snakes among them, and many died. He then told Moses to make a brass snake and put it on a pole. Those who looked at it were healed.

“So it’ll be with the Son of Man. He’ll be lifted up, and those who believe on him will have eternal life. God loved the world so much that he sent his Son to save the world and bring eternal life to those who believe.

“Let me explain it carefully so you can understand. If you believe on the Son of God, you will have eternal life. If you don’t believe on him, you must suffer God’s judgment.”