Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 10, 2024

Date:   Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  John 3:16-21

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today bring us the next portion of Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus as recorded in the Gospel of John. Nicodemus came to Jesus, as you will recall, at night, presumably so that his visit would not be seen. Specifically, Nicodemus had seen in Jesus’ works the power and presence of the LORD and he wanted to know more, to understand.

At first Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born from above, but Nicodemus misunderstood Jesus to say born again. In yesterday’s gospel text, Jesus clarified what He meant. In today’s text, Jesus speaks specifically about His mission – the salvation of humanity. But in order for us to claim this gift, we must believe in Jesus Christ as Son of God, sent from the Father in the Spirit.

Jesus recognizes and admits to Nicodemus that not everyone will see Jesus for who He is; Jesus acknowledges that there will be those who deny his identity as Son of God and in doing so will deny themselves the salvation Jesus wins through His death and resurrection.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I truly and wholly acknowledge that Jesus is Son of God, my Savior? Do I truly and wholly acknowledge that I need Jesus?

Praying:

LORD, Father Almighty, You sent your only-begotten Son so that we might have eternal life in abundance with You. You did not send your beloved Son to condemn us, but rather to embrace your will and to save us through His selfless sacrifice upon a cross on Calvary. Salvation comes to us from You, through the Son, and in the Spirit. Send your Spirit to stir within us your love so that we might boldly proclaim all that is true – that You so loved us that You gave your only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Jesus might not perish but have eternal life. Grant that we might this day and all days live our faith by recognizing Jesus as Son of God, our Savior, denying ourselves, picking up our own crosses, and following Him to You. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.