Washed

Paul’s reference to spiritual rebirth in Titus 3:5 echoes what John described in his gospel (John 1:12; 3:1–21). In John 3, we read of a religious leader who is dumbfounded with Jesus’ emphasis on the need to be born again. Initially, Nicodemus, who’d come to Jesus under the cover of darkness, finds the idea laughable. Later, he takes the risk of speaking a word on behalf of Jesus (7:47–52). And the last time we see him, he’s helping another secret believer care for Jesus’ body (19:38–42). Jesus said there’s something real and mysterious about being born from above or “born again” (3:3).