This week we come to a verse that is probably one of the best known and most often memorized passages in scripture, John 3:16. It is a declaration of God's love for us and a verse that many consider to be a summary of the gospel message. Once again I find it valuable to put the verse into its context, however so on Sunday we will be reflecting on John 3:1-21, which is the story of Nicodemus.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee that came to Jesus at night to talk with Him. His coming led to a discussion about being born again and within this discussion we encounter profound statements of faith and the kingdom of God. First, we see that Jesus came for a purpose. More than a nice guy or a wise teacher, Jesus came so that we might not perish. Second, we must be born again of water and spirit. We are all born a first time of flesh; but in order to enter the kingdom of God, we must be born again of water and spirit. Third, this work of salvation for the world comes from the Father's love for us. "For God so loved the world..." It is because of the Father's love for us that Jesus came, that we are saved from condemnation.
With these principles in mind, there are important applications to our faith. First, Jesus had a purpose that He lived out. As followers of Jesus, find and live into your purpose. Find the purpose that God has created you for through prayer, study, the counsel of others and trial and error. Then live into your purpose in the decisions and life choices that you make. Second, feed and hydrate your spirit. Our first birth is in the flesh and we need to feed and hydrate our bodies to live. Though feeding and hydrating our spirits means a little something different, it is also important to feed and hydrate our spirits as well. Jesus is the bread of life and He gives living water. Third, God has shown us great love in sending His son that we might not perish. We in turn should form and love others. Those of us who are fathers, should love our children, mentoring them and modeling for them the love that God has for them. Those of us who are not fathers should still express and model that fatherly love through mentoring relationships of other children, youth and young adults.
As you consider the message of John 3:16, reflect on these questions
in a time of silence, through journaling or in group dialogue.
1. What do you believe to be your purpose in life and how are you intentionally living that out?
2. Do you consider yourself to be reborn by water and Spirit? If so, what was that experience like for you? What were the circumstances surrounding this rebirth? If not, has there been something holding you back from this?
3. How have you been shaped by the love of God for the world?
4. How is God calling you to live more deeply into these realities in the week ahead?
5. How might God be calling our congregation to be more deeply formed by these truths?
May Jesus richly bless you in this week ahead, leading you in His kingdom purposes. Amen
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