What Jesus Did! 'Only the Holy Spirit' — John 3:6-7

Thursday, February 12, 2026

[Jesus said to Nicodemus,] "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again.'"
— John 3:6-7 NLT

Key Thought

Not religious practice. Not religious accomplishment. Not religious titles. Not religious pedigree. Not the faith of parents. Not the recognition of community. There are no human means that can accomplish our new birth, our God-birth, our birth from above, our spiritual rebirth. Only the Holy Spirit can give us "life from heaven." God's Kingdom is as revolutionary as it is eternal. Humans can't muster the righteousness or perfection or power to enter the Kingdom. But God can, and does, do it for us by the power of his Holy Spirit. That's why it is called being saved by grace! Only God can make this happen for us.

Today's Prayer

Father God, thank you for your grace displayed in sending Jesus to be the sacrifice for my sins and for giving me spiritual rebirth by the power of your Holy Spirit. May I never boast except in the cross of Christ and your Holy-Spirit power. In the name of my Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 3:6-7 NLT — [Jesus said to Nicodemus,] "Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again.'"

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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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