Theme for this month: Jesus in the Four Gospels
Theme for this week: “Jesus in the Gospel of John”
December 16, 2021 (Thursday)
Ever hear of “John 3:16?” Even folks who don’t go to church probably recognize that reference. It is a Bible verse often called, “The Gospel in One Verse.” It is a single verse extracted from a very meaningful conversation between Jesus and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin by the name of Nicodemus. Since Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, both members of the Sanhedrin, received Jesus’ body and buried it in Joseph’s own new tomb, we can rightfully assume that both men were secret disciples of Jesus. Non canonical writings have venerated both men, but this is about all our Bible says about them. We can probably be reasonably sure that, if Nicodemus became a Christian, it was at least partially because of a fateful conversation he had with Jesus one night long ago.
That verse, John 3:16, in the King James Version, which is the translation that most of us memorized long ago, reads like this: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Let’s take a look at the visit from Nicodemus. Parts of their conversation are paraphrased here. He came at night, probably because the days of both Jesus and himself were full. Even though he was a member of the Sanhedrin, which would have Jesus crucified, he was among a few of those who had an open mind about Jesus.
Nicodemus began by letting Jesus know that he believed Jesus came from God, because no one without God could do the miracles Jesus had done. Jesus told him that he must be born again, to which Nicodemus responded, “How is it possible that a person can re-enter his mother’s womb and be born again” Jesus then said that birth can be “of water or the spirit.” The physical birth is “of water” and the spiritual birth is of the Spirit. Then he said to Nicodemus, “You must be born again.” In other words, “Nicodemus, you have been born physically, but you need a spiritual birth. Spiritual reality is like the wind — you don’t see it, but you see what it does.” Nicodemus replied, “How can this be?” Then Jesus basically said, “I know you are a smart, well-trained man, so how is it you don’t understand about spiritual matters?”
Jesus continued, “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved..
“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life..”
We are not told whether Nicodemus accepted Christ as the Messiah or not, but the fact that he and Joseph openly buried the body of Jesus left the clear impression that they believed in Him.
All four of the gospels relate conversations that Jesus had with people who were either opposed to Him or not quite sure about Him, and others who immediately followed Him. These are among the reactions to Christian witness that we see today. Some believe. Some are undecided. Some reject openly. But most people react to the claims of Jesus in some way. How about you? Have you been born again? Have you accepted Christ as your Savior?
JESUS IS ALL THE WORLD TO ME
Author, Will L. Thompson
1904
1. Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day,
Without Him I would fall:
When I am sad, to Him I go;
No other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, He makes me glad;
He’s my friend.
2. Jesus is all the world to me,
My friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings, and
He gives them o’er and o’er:
He sends the sunshine and the rain,
He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,
He’s my friend.
(See below — Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…)
3. Jesus is all the world to me,
And true to Him I’ll be;
O how could I this friend deny,
When He’s so true to me?
Following Him I know I’m right,
He watches o’er me day and night;
Following Him by day and night;
He’s my friend.
4. Jesus is all the world to me,
I want no better friend;
I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when
Life’s fleeting days shall end:
Beautiful life with such a friend,
Beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy;
He’s my friend.
Inserted above, into lyrics of “Jesus Is All the World to Me”
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THAT NAME
AUTHORS: BILL AND GLORIA GAITHER
DATE
Jesus Jesus Jesus
There’s something about that name
Master savior Jesus
It’s like the fragrance after rain
Jesus Jesus Jesus
Let Heaven and Earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away
There is something about that name
We Love the name
The holy name
Your precious name
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away
There is something about that name
We love the name
The holy name
Your precious name