What Jesus Did! 'Reborn!' — John 1:12-13

Friday, January 9, 2026

But to all who believed [Jesus, the Word] and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn — not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

— John 1:12-13 NLT

Key Thought

Not everyone rejected Jesus. In fact, everyone who believed in him and accepted him was given an incredible gift: They were made children of God! The same is still true for us who believe and accept Jesus. This special gift is something that God alone can give. It is also something about which both Jesus and our author John will have more to say. Today, however, think about what it means to be God's child! Our Father paints the sunrise and displays his artistry again at sunset. He set the boundaries of the universe, which we cannot begin to see. He is the greatest Father anyone could ever have, and he chose us to be his children! Our adoption into the Father's family is something God did for us to include us as his children. We couldn't make ourselves part of God's family any more than children can accomplish their own birth or their adoption. We are God's children because of his love and grace and Jesus' sacrifice. In fact, Jesus came as the Father's Word of grace so we can be children of God, born from above!

Today's Prayer

Expand my heart, O God, so that I can truly show my love and appreciation to you for adopting me into your family. Open my mind, dear Father, so that I can understand your grace and mercy given me through Jesus. I praise you and thank you for making me your child! In the name of my brother and Savior, Jesus Christ, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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38 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 1:12-13
Devo: Today's Verse
"To all who received [the Word, that is Jesus Christ], to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of..."
John 1:12-13
Devo: Today's Verse
"To all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human..."
Born of God
Illustration of John 1:12-13
Inspirational illustration of John 1:12-13 -- To all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God -- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
John 1:12
Devo: Today's Verse
"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God..."
See All 38 Related Resources about John 1:12-13

Illustration

Illustration of John 1:12-13 NLT — They are reborn — not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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