Christ's discourse with Nicodemus

Nicodemus seeks Jesus by night by Alexandre Bida (1875)

This discourse is related in John 3:1–21. For fear of the Jewish authorities a ruler in Israel, Nicodemus comes by night to see Jesus. Jesus explains to him that to become a member of His mystical Body, which is the Church on earth he must be born again of water and of the Holy Ghost. For otherwise he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. These words are thought to refer to the Sacrament of Baptism, and support the doctrine of Infant baptism.

Narrative

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

— John 3:1-8, English Standard Version

Commentary

Catholic

Nicodemus (left) talking to Jesus, by Henry Ossawa Tanner

Roger Baxter in his meditations, reflects on moral quality of Nicodemus' timidity,

Nicodemus being a man of high character, among his fellow citizens, and afraid of the censures of the world, came during the night, for instructions to Christ. He came in this private manner, "for fear of the Jews," for his mind probably revolted at the idea of appearing among the unlettered and poor disciples of the Man-God. How many thousands have lost their immortal souls by indulging this feeling! How many at this moment indulge it! Do not imitate their example, but say with St Paul, " I am not ashamed of the Gospel." (Rom. 1:16) Confess God both confidently, and openly, for Christ says: "Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me, and of My words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He shall come in His majesty." (Luke 9:26)

Cornelius a Lapide in his great commentary defends child baptism from the doctrine of John Calvin, writing

Calvin, in order to detract from the effect of justification by baptism, and therefore from the necessity of baptism (for he maintains that the children of believers are justified in the womb simply because they are the children of believers), denies that baptism is here spoken of. He says that by water is to be understood, but the Holy Ghost, who, through faith, cleanses like water those who believe in Christ. He explains as follows, “unless any one be born again of water, and (that is, of) the Holy Ghost.” Thus he says it is similarly spoken (Matt. 3:11), He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire, i.e., with the Holy Spirit, who, like fire, shall inflame you with the love of God. But all this is absurd and perverse, and condemned by the Church as heretical.

For, in the first place, why does Christ here make mention of water, if not men, but only fishes, are born again of water? Why did He not say briefly and simply to Nicodemus, who was ignorant of Christian doctrines (whom He here catechises and instructs like a child), except any one be born again of the Holy Ghost?

2. Because in a similar way St. Paul, alluding to this conversation, (Titus 3:5), calls baptism the laver of regeneration. There in this spiritual birth we are born again of water, and are made sons of God, who before were children of the devil and wrath (Eph. 2:3).

Justus Knecht highlights two doctrinal points that come from this narrative,

1. The necessity of Baptism. Only he who is born again of water and of the Holy Ghost has any part in the kingdom of God. By Baptism man becomes a member of God’s kingdom upon earth, i.e. the Church of Jesus Christ, and an heir of God’s kingdom in heaven. Thus Baptism is absolutely necessary to salvation. 2. Original sin. The words of our Lord testify to the existence of original sin. They suppose that by our natural birth we have not that spiritual divine life in our soul which was given to our first parents in Paradise, and consequently that we have lost the principle of that life, sanctifying grace and all that was connected with it. We are born (spiritually) dead. This is the sin of our origin from Adam.

See also

• Life of Jesus in the New Testament
• Ministry of Jesus