Born a Second Time?  

     In chapter 3, John the disciple wrote that Nicodemus, a Pharisee, ruler of the Jews, took upon himself to visit Jesus, at night, secretly. He said, "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." 

     Not one for small talk, Jesus answered, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus was stumped. How can someone be born a second time?

     Jesus said, That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Nicodemus, still puzzled: "How can these things be?"

     Answering with a puzzle: As Moses lifted up the serpent...even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (His cross was a long way off) 

     For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

     He who believes in Him (the Son) is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.        

     Later, some Jews were disputing with another John (the baptizer) about Jesus. John replied, He who comes from above is above all. And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies. He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life...

 Note: John wrote this gospel 50 years or more after Jesus departed.

Like Old Testament prophets, he received God's message from above.