John 3:1-4:45; Luke 3:19-20
~ Click here to read today's Scripture on BibleGateway.com ~ // Mobile Site Link
~ Listen to today's Scripture on ESV Online.org ~
John: Today in John chapter 3 we will read about Jesus’ interactions with Nicodemus, a member of the Pharisees. This is obviously a powerful chapter, as Jesus’ words in this chapter include the famous John 3:16. In verse 3 we will read this from Jesus – “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” And to this Nicodemus asks in verse 4 – “How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born?” What do these verses mean to you? Do you understand Jesus’ statement in verse 3? Do you understand Nicodemus’ confusion and why he asked the question like he did in verse 4? Jesus later goes on in chapter 3 to say that he is referring to being born again in “the Spirit.” It is not a physical rebirth Jesus is referring to in verse 3, but a Spiritual rebirth. I do think this is an appropriate time in our One Year Bible readings – the gospel of John and John chapter 3 in particular – for each of us to ask ourselves if we have been born again in the Spirit? If not, do you want to be born again in the Spirit? Will you pray today to God and Jesus for this Spiritual rebirth?
Bible.org's commentary on John chapter 3 titled "The Doctrine of Salvation" is at this link and commentary on "Jesus and Nicodemus" is at this link and at this link.
An image is below for verses 14 & 15 as Jesus says this to Nicodemus - "And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so I, the Son of Man, must be lifted up on a pole, so that everyone who believes in me will have eternal life."
Wow... I love John the Baptist's words about Jesus in John chapter 3 today! Great stuff. Please read these verses again and meditate upon them in your life today. The verse that really stood out to me today was verse 30 when John said this about Jesus - "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less." How very true and how very applicable to our lives today. We must let Jesus become greater and greater in our lives, hearts, and actions, and our individualism / selfishness must become less and less. How are you doing on this? Are you allowing Jesus to become greater and greater in your life and are "you" becoming less and less?
Bible.org's commentary on John chapter 3's readings today titled "John's Joy and his Disciples Jealousy" is at this link.
Wow. The Jacob's Well story in John chapter 4 today is beautiful on so many levels. I definitely recommend you check out Bible.org's commentary on this chapter at this link if you aren't familiar with all of the meanings of this story.
I love Jesus's words in verse 34 - "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work." If this is true for Jesus - think this might be true for us too? Do you believe that our nourishment comes from doing the will of God?
Worship God: Our readings in John 3 today reminded me of MercyMe's song "All of Creation:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UADsz7ToO8w
Are you singing along with all of creation? Click here and sing forevermore!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "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." John 3:16 NIV
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
Comments