Views are best from a good height seeing far away. I doubt anyone would refer to a scene as a view unless there was a lot to see and a good deal of height and perspective to go with it. There is something about being on top, something special about a perspective that comes from above.
A fresh way of seeing.
“Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews… came to Jesus by night and said to him, “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.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:1-3.
The Greek word to fill in the blank is anōthen, and is most often translated in John 3:3 as “again.” The word is used 13 times in the New Testament. Enjoy a fresh perspective about what Jesus was saying as you see the other ways anōthen (in blue from ESV or NIV) is used.
Matt 27:51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.
Matt 15:38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.
Luke 1:3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
John 3:3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
John 3:7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
John 3:31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all.
John 19:11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”
Acts 26:5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee.
Gal 4:9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 3:15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Do not be surprised that Jesus said we must be born from above.
John Riley
Jr. High Pastor