New Life John 3:1-17 Most of us are blind We miss the obvious We go for the easy answers We make too many assumptions We often fail to see the truth

When I was a child I lived in a lower middle class community We had a home, clothing and food Not much more But I thought we were pretty well-off

Because everyone else seemed to be like us or worse My assumption: We were doing pretty well

In the same way We think we will be happy if we have the toys others have We think if we follow the rules all will be fine

John 3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’

8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” 9 “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?

Sometimes we think all is well Then we are challenged to rethink our assumptions My sister said “We were poor”

I like Shakespeare King Lear is one of my favorite plays It is a tragedy What appears to be good is bad What appears to be bad is good Those with sight cannot see The blind are able to see clearly

The Bad Reagan Goneril Edmond The Good Cordelia Kent Lear’s Fool The Lost King Lear Glouster Edgar

King Lear loses his sight and his sanity and hold Cordelia in his arms as she dies Now that he is blind and mad, King Lear finally recognizes… Who loves him Who is using him

10 “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?

11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?

This man was at the top of his faith Respected, revered and feared But he is blinded He does not know how to be saved He wants to be better Jesus wants him to be born again

“Born of water and the spirit” Testimony and faith Not of the flesh Because things come and go, decay, disappear and lose their value Our relationship with Christ has no limits

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Are you just following the rules? Being or trying to be good? Hoping all the good will out way the bad? Assuming that not choosing evil means choosing Christ?

Have you accepted Jesus in your heart? Asked Him to come into your life? Asked Jesus to be Lord of your life? Given Him permission to reign? Laid it all out and raised the white flag?

King Lear was fooled by flattery He was told what he wanted to hear He had to lose everything to see the truth

Maybe we are hearing what we want to hear from the world and from Satan Self-esteem Money Looks Fame Job Place

The bible reminds us that life is fleeting Make your life count here Live your life for Christ now Life your next life with Christ It all starts with a new birth in Christ