Today is Trinity Sunday, always the Sunday after Pentecost.
It’s appropriate then that we’re reading the gospel of John, and even more so, these first verses from chapter 3. Each gospel gives formative elements for the doctrine of the Trinity, but none more so than John.
The beginning of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus is pivotal in many ways. But rarely mentioned is the strong position Jesus gives here for the holy spirit.
John 3:1-8
There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish leader. He came to Jesus at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could do these miraculous signs that you do unless God is with him.”
Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born anew, it’s not possible to see God’s kingdom.”
Nicodemus asked, “How is it possible for an adult to be born? It’s impossible to enter the mother’s womb for a second time and be born, isn’t it?”
Jesus answered, “I assure you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Don’t be surprised that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ God’s Spirit blows wherever it wishes. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. It’s the same with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Prayer
God,
Thank you for coming to us in a number of ways. To know you as creator, savior, and sustainer is a beautiful thing. To be present with us in the flesh in Christ and with us now by your spirit is all the more powerful.
Help me to know your spirit, which is to know you and your wisdom.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.