The Only One Who Descended: Jesus' Authority and the New Birth

This expository sermon examines Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:9-13, focusing on the radical claim that spiritual rebirth is necessary for entering God's kingdom. The message emphasizes that Nicodemus, despite being a leading teacher of Israel, missed the heart of Scripture's message about regeneration. Jesus challenges him by pointing to Old Testament prophecies (Ezekiel 36-37) that foretold spiritual transformation through God's Spirit. The sermon stresses that salvation is not achieved through religious credentials, knowledge, or good works, but solely through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' unique authority comes from being the only one who has "descended from heaven" and will ascend again—making Him the sole reliable teacher of heavenly realities. The message concludes that biblical faith precedes understanding, and that only those born again by God's Spirit can truly delight in His Word and enter His kingdom.