TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Today is March 16th. 3/16. John 3:16 Day.
A nighttime conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus resulted in what is arguably the most well-known verse in the Bible—John 3:16. It says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
How many of us take this verse for granted? We know it by heart and can rattle it off, but do we ever stop to ponder the magnitude of these words?
Let’s verse map it. Fill in the blanks with your own name: “For God so loved the _________, that he gave his only Son, that [if] _________ believes in him [_________] should not perish but have eternal life.”
Isn’t it incredible how personal that verse can be?
If we’re Facebook friends, you may have seen my post recommending the series “The Chosen.” It’s a Christian-made TV-series based on the Gospels and the first season is available through online streaming (download the app, “The Chosen”). It is definitely a worthwhile binge session. In the episode, “Invitations,” we get a 3D glimpse of how this John 3:16 conversation may have played out. They have stayed true to Scripture and it’s easily one of my favorite scenes from the series! The actors go through the whole exchange of John 3:1-21 and it’s a wonderful way to experience these familiar words and see them in a new way.
Today, the world needs the truth of John 3:16 in a desperate way. People are scared and there is so much unknown. We’re being encouraged to practice “social distancing” which for many, causes great anxiety. Even for me—a homebody, extroverted-introvert who loves solitude but who is also a hugger by nature. It’s not in our norms to avoid other people. But no matter how long this lasts, and whatever happens in the days to come—when we embrace the truth of John 3:16, we are never alone. Because Jesus is the one who willingly touched the lepers and the sick. And still, even today, Jesus extends a hand of invitation to those who believe in Him.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for this 2000-year old conversation that still resonates so deeply for us. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you remember the magnitude of John 3:16, and to embolden you to share it with others.
SHARING ••• Please share with others! Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Download a free Bible-In-A-Year Reading Plan when you subscribe! Join an online prayer group at www.facebook.com/groups/onlineandonourkneesprayergroup. ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
