Don’t Be Shocked by the Good News
Text: John 3:7 – “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”
Introduction
Sometimes, when a person faces uncertainty, confusion is inevitable. That was the experience of Nicodemus—a learned man, a religious leader, a Pharisee. Yet despite his knowledge, he came searching. And importantly, he came to the right place—to Jesus, the Creator and Master of the universe.
But when Jesus spoke to him, the response was unexpected. Instead of affirming his status, Jesus confronted him with a simple yet profound truth: “Ye must be born again.”
Nicodemus was shocked. How can a man be born again? How can something so deep sound so simple?
Beloved, the message of salvation is often shocking—not because it is complicated, but because it is so simple. Today, we are called not to be amazed or offended by it, but to receive it.
1. The Shock of a Simple Truth – “Marvel not”
Jesus began by saying, “Marvel not.” In other words, do not be surprised.
– Embrace the Obvious
The new birth is not strange—it is essential. Just as physical birth brings a child into a family, spiritual birth brings a soul into the family of God.
When a baby is born, there is joy, celebration, and welcome. No one questions the necessity of birth for life. In the same way, spiritual life cannot begin without spiritual birth.
Yet many are shocked by this truth. They think religion, good works, or morality is enough. But Jesus says, Do not marvel—this is the standard of heaven.
2. The Authority of the Command – “Ye must”
Jesus did not say, “You may consider being born again.” He said, “Ye must.”
– A Divine Command
This is not advice—it is a necessity. It is heaven’s requirement for every man, every woman, every generation.
In the days of Nicodemus, many Pharisees highly esteemed the law of Moses. They honored the letter of the law but missed the Living Word standing before them.
Beloved, it is possible to be religious and still be lost. It is possible to know about God and yet not know God.
“Ye must” reminds us that:
- Status cannot replace salvation
- Knowledge cannot replace transformation
- Religion cannot replace regeneration
This is God’s command—but also His invitation.
3. The Essence of Salvation – “Be born again”
– God’s Ultimate Plan
To be born again is not a metaphor—it is a spiritual reality. It is the transformation of the heart, the renewal of the spirit, and the beginning of eternal life.
There is no alternative path. Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life. The new birth is not one option among many—it is the only doorway into God’s kingdom.
Just as no one is surprised when told they must breathe to live, so also the new birth is our spiritual oxygen. Without it, there is no life in God.
What shocks man is not the complexity of God’s standard, but its simplicity.
Illustration
Imagine someone being told, “If you want to live, you must breathe.” No one argues with that. No one is surprised. It is obvious.
But now imagine that same person refusing to breathe because it seems too simple or too basic.
That is how many treat the gospel. They stumble over its simplicity. They look for something more complex, more intellectual, more deserving.
But Jesus says, Do not marvel. The requirement is clear: you must be born again.
The new birth is not complicated—it is essential.
Conclusion
Nicodemus came with questions, but he left with an answer. The answer was not found in deeper philosophy or stricter religion—it was found in a transformed life.
Today, that same question echoes:
Are you born again?
Do you belong to the family of God?
Have you experienced spiritual birth?
If Nicodemus could set aside his position, his reputation, and his knowledge to seek the kingdom, then nothing should hinder you today.
Do not be shocked by the good news—embrace it.
Altar Call
Beloved, this is a personal matter.
*Church attendance is not enough.
*Good works are not enough.
*Religious knowledge is not enough.
Jesus says, “Ye must be born again.”
Today, God is calling you into His family.
If you have not been born again, or if you are unsure, this is your moment. Do not delay. Do not overthink it. Do not be held back by pride, fear, or past mistakes.
Come just as you are.
If you are ready to surrender your life to Christ, pray this simple prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I confess that I am a sinner. I believe You died for me and rose again. I surrender my life to You. Wash me, cleanse me, and make me new. I receive the gift of salvation. I am born again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer with sincerity, welcome to the family of God.
Now go forward and live the new life that God has given you.
Final Charge:
Don’t be shocked by the good news—receive it, believe it, and live it.
— Kunle Solomon
Minister
SheepGate Evangelical Ministry.
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