The past few weeks I have been struggling to get this blog off the ground, I loved waking up every morning and calling my brother to read and chat about what was read. But part of me struggled to make it a habit and part of my routine. So today I start devoting my time to this project and leave everything else to God to handle. Whatever happens is not my work, but my Father's work 😄

So today's chapter was John 3, and there are three major parts to this chapter. It talks about being born again, God's love for us all, and cover's John The Baptist when he exalts Jesus above himself when people approach him about what Jesus was doing.

Born Again

[John 3:1 ESV] Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.
[2] This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”
[3] Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Before we continue with diving into what this passage means, I want to ask you. What do you think being "born again" means? Once you have your answer, continue reading.

[Pause To Ponder]

When I read this passage with all the context I have, I know it means born of the spirit. But if this is your first time reading this passage or are new to this faith, you might be confused by this idea, or you think like Nicodemus did in the verse that followed. But Jesus explains that it's not a physical birth we need.

[Book 3:4 ESV] Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?"
[5] Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
[6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ..."

Here Jesus tells us we need a spiritual birth to enter the kingdom of heaven. "Born of water and the spirit" sounds a lot like baptism, doesn't it?

What do you think Jesus means by being born again? How do you become born of water and spirit?

For God So Loved The World

[John 3:16 ESV] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ..."

This is one of those verses in the bible that it's famous enough to be on book marks, T-shirts, and basically anything else. This verse just speaks to the incredible good news that is the gift of Jesus, and our salvation. If you had to point at a verse in the bible that explains what the bible is all about, and who Jesus was, this would be that verse.

The passage continues to explain why Jesus was given to us,

[John 3:17 ESV] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
[18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

This is amazing news! It matters not what you have done in the past, nor what has happened to you in the past. Jesus himself has said "Whoever believes in him is not condemned." Everything the bible teaches is hinged on this one thing, Jesus's later death and resurrection which we will cover in the coming chapters towards the end of the book.

Do you know how much God loves you? Have you put your faith into Jesus for your salvation?

John Exalts Jesus

[John 3:22 ESV] After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.
[23] John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized
[24] (for John had not yet been put in prison).
[25] Now a discussion arose between some of John’s disciples and a Jew over purification.
[26] And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”
[27] John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven.
[28] You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’
[29] The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.
[30] He must increase, but I must decrease.”

This passage is talking about how some of the Jews in this time saw Jesus's ministry as a competitor, and John responds in a way I think we need to pay attention to and follow in his steps. John raises Jesus above himself. John exalts Jesus. Everything we do here in this life should reflect Jesus, for without him, we are nothing.

What do you take away from this passage? Does everything you do in life reflect Jesus's change and presence in your life?

What do you dear reader think of this chapter in the bible? What draws your interest, raises questions, or speaks to you? Leave a comment below with your thoughts as you read the bible. God Bless you 😄