Thursday, March 2, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading 
John 3:16–21

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” (NRSV)

Reflection

If we were called upon to recite from memory John 3:16 in the King James Version style, I imagine many congregants could comply. It must be among the best-known verses in the Bible, often learned when we were quite young. The New Revised Standard Version words used in Fourth Church’s daily devotions are very similar to those of the KJV. The message seems simple: if you believe in Jesus, you’ll enjoy life forever, even beyond your death.

But the meaning is not that simple. The Gospel writer, quoting Jesus (the verses are inked in red in my Bible) goes on to talk about behavior now, in this life, not just belief that will help you get to the other side. People should not just piously announce “I believe” and then go about their business, thinking and doing bad things along with some good things. For their benefit, Jesus—the “Light” is the Gospel writer’s term—illuminates their actions, both bad and good. While having one’s behavior revealed for what it is might be discomforting or even discomfiting, God has sent God’s Son as an act of love to help people (us) understand, deal with, and perhaps modify or improve behavior. Instead of reading the passage as a stern rebuke or dire warning, we might focus on the phrase “for God so loved the world.” A loving God sent a Son, a role model, an encourager, and the Light.

Prayer

O God, I pray for your light, not just to illuminate bad things but also to inspire me to follow that light. Amen.

Written by Rebecca Dixon, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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