Week B-L4 John 3:14-21
JESUS GIVES US LIGHT
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who
does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.
1. EXPLORE IT! This Gospel passage has many layers. On the surface, we can interpret it as a passage that serves as a reminder that God loves us and gave His Only Son so that our sins may be forgiven. When upon further analysis, God also tells us how Jesus will save us. Jesus is our Messiah, the one who will save us from our sins and give us everlasting life. In this passage, Jesus started out by foreshadowing the Paschal Mystery by telling us He must be lifted up so that those who believe in Him may live forever in the kingdom of heaven.
This passage then highlights God’s love for Humanity. He loves us so much, that He sent us a beacon of light, Jesus, that will show out of the darkness. Jesus shines light on our mistakes, not to condemn us, but to lead us in the right direction. As long as we believe that Jesus is here to shine light on our sins so we may see the path to righteousness, and fully accept the light, then we will be saved. Those who reject his light and choose to stay in the darkness will live forever in sin.
2. CONNECT IT!
3. REFLECT IT!
As human beings, we all make mistakes. A natural response to sin is to condemn others because it turns the focus away from us. It allows us to look at others rather than ourselves. Because of this, we stray away from God’s grace. Despite knowing God’s intentions, we still hide from its exposure. We are convinced that secrecy is the best. This passage tells us that God is different to us. God wishes to save us from ourselves by giving us a light, Jesus.
What does the term “believe” mean to you? Do you trust God enough to let him shine light onto your faults and lead you in the right direction?
Do you ever stray from Jesus’ light? How can you use Jesus’ light to guide you down the right path?
What are ways you can stay on the path to everlasting life? Are there ways you can share this wisdom with your family and friends?
To believe in Jesus is to follow Jesus’s light that exposes. It is not to condemn, but it is to enable us to see ourselves clearly enough to being the process of learning to live lives brimming with “deeds done in God.”
4. LIVE IT! [ W ISDOM ] Wisdom— The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting. The gift of wisdom allows us to see with God’s eyes, to feel with God’s heart, and to speak with God’s words. Wisdom lets us see right from wrong. But, with our free will, we sometimes choose to ignore God’s beacon that points us in the right direction. In this Lenten season, choose the path to salvation by seeking God’s forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
5. REMEMBER IT! “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
6. PRAY IT! Dear God, thank You for sending Your only son, Lord Jesus Christ, as a beacon of light so that we can see the path to our salvation. Please grant us the courage to fully trust Your gift of wisdom and fully reflect on my actions so we can join You in eternal life. Amen.
