Believing is receiving
John 3:16 is probably the best known and most quoted text of the Bible. The words of this passage were spoken by Jesus. The context of this passage is part of a dialog between Jesus and Nicodemus, who was a prominent religious leader of the Pharisees and a member of the governmental body of the Sanhedrin. Perhaps it could be said that Nicodemus represented all things religious — the laws, customs, rituals, and religious systems of the Temple. Yet, there was something lacking in his heart.
Nicodemus longed for something more — something deeper and more real. He had heard about Jesus, this young rabbi who hadn’t gone through the rabbinical schools. He had wondered at the words of this outlier. Something about him and his teachings struck a deep chord in Nicodemus’ heart.
Jesus’ conversation with him turned things in a totally different direction. Jesus went straight to the place that was empty inside of Nicodemus. Jesus proclaimed that God’s way is spiritual. God loves — not just the Israelites who follow the commandments most scrupulously. God’s love is so inclusive and expansive that he loves the complete totality of the world! It is God that loves and God that comes and God that saves! It is Jesus calling Nicodemus into a restored relationship with God that is spirit and love and salvation. Jesus was proclaiming that it is NOT what YOU do, it is what GOD has already DONE through Jesus. And the door has been flung wide open for you to come home!
I’m inviting you to find a quiet place wherever you can be stilled and focus. Take some deep breaths. Push away all of the thoughts and things that are crowding your mind. Read the following one phrase at a time and pause at the end of each one before progressing. Let the words enter your thoughts. Be mindful of what the Spirit speaks to you. Hear Jesus’ words spoken for you and to you:
God…
God so loved…
God so loved the world…
God gave…
God gave his one and only Son…
God gave his one and only Son to everyone…
God gave his one and only Son to everyone so that none will perish…
God gave his one and only Son to everyone so that none will perish, but have everlasting life…
Believe…
Believe in the Son…
Believe in his actions…
Believe in his love…
Believe in him…
Because God loved…
Because God gave…
Because God wants YOU for eternity.
—Terry Swenson, DMin, is director of University Spiritual Care.
