A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church on Sunday, May 11, 2003, Easter III. Please read St. John 3:1-10.

On this Mothers’ Day, we are reminded of the one who has given us physical birth. Our lesson today from John’s Gospel, however, is a reminder of the One who has given us our spiritual birth. The reminder is given in a story about a Pharisee, Nicodemus, who comes to Jesus by night. Apparently, Nicodemus was interested in Jesus’ teaching, but he was not ready to expose himself to criticism by being a true follower of Jesus. He begins the conversation with complementary words, but they are words that express what Nicodemus confidently thinks he knows about Jesus: “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” (St. John 3:2). Jesus’ response indicates that Nicodemus does not know as much as he thinks he knows: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (3:3). As the story goes on, it is evident that Nicodemus does not comprehend the spiritual matters about which Jesus is talking. The whole idea of second birth is a puzzle - “How can a man be born again when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born … How can these things be?” (3:4, 9).

Nicodemus was not an ignorant or stupid man. The members of the religious sect to which he belonged, the Pharisees, were known for their piety and learning. They were people skilled in the law, and they were meticulous in their observance of it. It must have seemed strange to Nicodemus and anyone listening to this conversation that a Pharisee would not understand the kingdom of God, yet that is exactly what Jesus is saying. Knowing God is not at all achieved through human effort. Although there are great and desirable benefits to studying the Bible from an academic perspective, such activity is not a substitute for a relationship with the God of Bible. Our baptism signifies to us that this new birth is indispensable, just as Jesus said. In our connection with Jesus Christ, God has given us new life through the Holy Spirit, and He has introduced to the heavenly realm in order that we might interact and comprehend Spiritual things.

Our mothers hold a special place in our hearts, for they are God’s instruments of creation that brought us into this world and gave us life. Yet, God has given us something more and greater than life in this world – a second birth into eternal life. 
Amen.