This Week’s Passage and Memory Verse (in red): John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
You are no doubt familiar with John 3:16 but may not be so familiar with the context of the verse. It is a great passage to reflect on as you hear the extended conversation that Jesus was having with Nicodemus. I’m at camp this week so rather than do a lot of writing I’m only going to post a few of the questions that might have entered Nic’s mind as he heard Jesus speak. I’d love to hear your comments on this passage or these questions.
What does Jesus mean by “perish”?
What does Jesus mean by eternal life?
Is Jesus saying that I am condemned?
What does it really mean to “believe in Jesus”?
Does Jesus somehow know about my evil deeds?
What does he mean by evil?
Am I seeking Truth or just the traditions I am so familiar with?
Enjoy your time in the Word this week. Sometimes asking the right questions is just as valuable as finding the answers.
I’m just sayin’!
Next Week’s Passage: Ephesians 2:1-10
Next Week’s Memory Verse: Ephesians 2:10