Unbelievers and immature Christians both face the challenge of raising their thinking to loftier planes. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). It takes mental effort and resolve to dwell upon spiritual matters. Naturally, living in this physical world, it is easier to think in physical terms. Our Lord constantly challenged those He met to think of spiritual things.
In his nighttime discussion with Nicodemus, Jesus spoke of one being “born anew” (John 3:3). The ruler’s mind immediately went to physical birth, so he missed the point. In confusion he asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” (John 3:4). Further explanation was needed. “Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Baptism is a spiritual birth requiring two elements: water (cf. Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:20, 21) and the Spirit (God’s working).
In his noontime discussion with the Samaritan woman, the Lord spoke of “living water.” This “water” would so completely satisfy that one would “never thirst” (John 4:14). Not surprisingly, her mind went straight to relief from her daily trek to the well (John 4:15). Without running water available, she had to carry all water used for cooking and washing. Jesus has the words of spiritual life, to quench the thirsty soul.
As Jesus prepared to journey to Judea, He told His disciples, “Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep” (John 11:11). Thinking in physical terms, the disciples responded, “Lord, if he is fallen asleep, he will recover” (John 11:12). Jesus was wanting them to know of His power – His power to raise the dead. The Master is able to raise the dead as easily as you or I would wake someone from sleep. Since they missed the point, “Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead” (John 11:14).
Jesus spoke often about His kingdom. The new birth is the way to “enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Sadly, the disciples were still thinking of a physical kingdom. Even after His resurrection they asked, “Lord, dost thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They were thinking of a restoration of the old, physical kingdom. Jesus tried to get Pilot to understand, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). Those who look for a physical kingdom will forever be disappointed. Beginning in the first century, when people experienced the “new birth,” they were delivered “out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love” (Colossians 1:13).
