In this chapter there are two major themes that are highlighted. The first is understanding and the second is faith.

The chapter starts off with a Pharisee (Nicodemus) who comes to Jesus and expresses to Jesus that they know Him to be from God because of the miracles (signs) that He had done. Jesus answers him in verse 3, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” In verses 4-14 Nicodemus and Jesus engage in a dialogue whereby Jesus explains what He means and then questions Nicodemus’ understanding. This is where we see the first theme of the chapter beginning to unfold. Nicodemus who was a teacher of the Jews knew the things of God but did not have a true understanding of the things he had learned and was teaching. His lack of understanding was exposed when Jesus started explaining the things of the spirit and Nicodemus was unable to connect. Nicodemus was well versed in religious practices but did not have an understanding of what he was practicing and teaching. As believers it is great to know the things of God and know of Jesus as Nicodemus did, but if we fail to gain an understanding of the Word and know Jesus for ourselves all we have is intellectual knowledge. Our understanding of the Word of God is what ignites our faith. When we read further into this chapter we see the second theme unfolding and that theme is the message of Faith. We see in John 3:16-17 that God loved us so much that He gave his only son to die for us. But we do not get to experience this love unless we believe (Faith) in His son. Our faith in Jesus is what leads us to walk away from evil things and come into the light. Our understanding of who Jesus is and our faith in Him should lead to a transformation of the mind and heart. This is what Jesus meant by being born again.