Do You Have a New Heart?

N.T.#698 "Do You Have a New Heart?"

Dec. 19, 2025 

John 3-Part 2 

LET IT GLOW

Are you in need of a new heart? Is your heart stubborn and stony? Perhaps someone you know and care about has this kind of heart. Read on to find how this can be changed into a tender heart.

Why did Nicodemus go to speak with Jesus at night? Here was a well-educated Pharisee, a Sanhedrin, and a Jew. He knew the Scriptures and Law very well, more than most. 

Nicodemus went by night to Jesus under the cover of darkness in order to avoid scorn of his fellow Pharisees-especially in light of Jesus' cleansing of the temple. He didn't want to admit his admiration of Jesus during the daytime! Most of his colleagues did not feel the same way, though. They would grow in their opposition and hatred of Jesus.  Nicodemus considered Jesus a teacher who came from God, able to perform miraculous signs because God was with Him. That was a compliment. (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

What were the questions Nicodemus asked Jesus?

1. How can a man be born when he is old?
2. Can a man enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
3. How can these things be?

Nicodemus was thinking physical rebirth, but Jesus was speaking of spiritual rebirth. He needed a new heart. 

In Ezekiel 11:19-20, the Lord says, And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart so they obey My decrees and regulations. (New Living Translation)

Come to Jesus. Admit to Him you are a sinner. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Believe Jesus is God's Son and paid the price for your sins. Then your hard, stubborn heart will become tender.

LET IT GROW

Jesus didn't beat around the bush. He knew Nic's heart. 

What were some profound wisdom Jesus gave to Nicodemus and us?

• Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (verse 3)
• Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (verse 5) Baptism shows what the Holy Spirit (water) has done in a person's heart. It is not part of salvation, but the result.
• To become a part of God's spiritual kingdom, one must experience a spiritual birth. (verse 7)
• We can only observe the results of salvation, like we can't see the wind but we can observe the results. (verse 8)
• New birth through the Spirit comes through experience. (verse 11)
• Knowledge of heavenly things comes only through Jesus. (verse 13)
• Sin caused God to punish the Israelites in Numbers 21. Moses made a brass serpent and lifted it up so the sick could look to it and be healed.  So must the Son of man be lifted up on a cross. (verse 14)
• That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (verse 15)

Are you a born-again believer in Jesus? Are you seeking eternal life in heaven? It is not by works, but by faith.

LET IT GO

Some things we must let go in order to become a Christian-pride, self esteem and bow down to King Jesus and beg for mercy.

Letting go of every single thing, we surrender at Your feet, Jesus.