Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: April 11, 2024

Date:   Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter/Memorial of St. Stanislaus

Scripture Text:  John 3:31-36

The one who comes from above is above all. The one who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of earthly things. But the one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy. For the one whom God sent speaks the words of God. He does not ration his gift of the Spirit. The Father loves the Son and has given everything over to him. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today continues our reading of the Gospel of John. It is unclear whose words these are; they come immediately after John the Baptist’s response to those critical of Jesus because He, too, was baptizing others in Judea.  The text, regardless of its source, speaks of Jesus’ identity as Son of God, one who comes from above and gives testimony to what He has seen and knows. However, there are those who reject both Jesus and His testimony. The passage ends with a promise of eternal life for those who recognize and follow Jesus as the Son of God and God’s wrath for those who do not.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I wholly and truly profess that Jesus is Son of God, Savior?  

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son, Jesus Christ to dwell among us and to show us “the way” we are to live. He revealed You and your great love for us, teaching us to pray to You as “Our Father.” He modeled for us loving obedience to You and to your will, selflessly surrendering to death on a cross for our sins, even though He himself is sinless. Dying He destroyed our death; rising He restored our life. Send the Spirit to give us the faith needed to recognize wholly and truly that He is Son of God, our Savior, and the courage to proclaim this to others. 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.