Jesus engages in a conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council, about the concept of being born again and the kingdom of God. Jesus explains that being born again is a spiritual rebirth, not a physical one, and that it is necessary to enter the kingdom of God. He uses the example of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness to illustrate the idea that salvation comes through looking to Jesus, who will be lifted up on the cross.