Reflective Reading 2
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Liberty University *
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Feb 20, 2024
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BIBL 110
R
EFLECTIVE
R
EADING
T
EMPLATE
: C
HRISTIAN
K
IM
Reflective Reading Passage: John 3:1-12
Use this template and the course texts The Inquisitive Christ and Approaching the New Testament to record brief notes for each step of the reflective reading process
. Step One: Prepare
Use this space to understand the key elements of context to your passage. Consulting and citing Approaching the New Testament
, please complete the contextual information according to the information found in the course textbook:
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament, who is the author of this biblical book
(in 2-3 sentences)?
The Gospel of John, one of the New Testament books, is typically assigned to John the Apostle, one of Jesus' twelve followers. As it says in the “Approaching the New Testament,”
“John wrote to help his readers believe that Jesus is the Christ as well as to encourage those undergoing hardship for following Jesus.”
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, when was this biblical book written (in 1 sentence)? The biblical book John was, “wrote around AD 80.”
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, what is the overall theme of the book (in 2-3 sentences)? The divinity of Jesus Christ is the primary focus of the Gospel of John. It portrays Jesus as the eternal Word of God who became incarnate in order to save humanity. The topic of believing is heavily emphasized throughout the book, with Jesus portrayed as the source of eternal life for those who believe in him. Furthermore, the Gospel of John has multiple keywords, such as "life (used thirty-six times) and believe (used ninety-eight times)," sayings in which Jesus aligns himself with diverse metaphors, underlining his divine nature
and purpose.
Step Two: Read
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BIBL 110
Utilizing either
a translation of choice or
creating a paraphrase of your own, use this space to re-write the full passage of scripture. Please do not copy and paste from an existing translation, but rather, write out the passage word-by-word in order to slowly reflect on the content.
1
In the past, there was a man named Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and a member of the Jewish ruling council. He approached Jesus under the cover of night, saying, "Teacher, we recognize
that you come from God because the miracles you perform are evidence of God's presence.” 2
Jesus replied, "I assure you, no one can perceive God's kingdom without experiencing a spiritual rebirth.” 3
Perplexed, Nicodemus asked, "How can someone be born again after they've grown old? Can they enter their mother's womb a second time?" 4
Jesus clarified, "I speak of a different birth, one of water and the Spirit. Physical birth results in flesh, but spiritual birth brings forth spirit. 5
Don't be surprised when I say, 'You must be born again.' 6
Just as the wind blows without you knowing where it comes from or where it is going, so it is with those born of the Spirit. 7
Nicodemus questioned further, "How can this happen?" 8
"You
are a respected teacher in Israel, and yet you do not understand these truths?" Jesus said. 9
I speak about what I've personally experienced and comprehended, yet you and your people do not believe me. 10
If I've discussed earthly matters with you, and you still don't believe, how will you grasp heavenly concepts? 11
I speak of things we know, yet you reject our testimony. 12
If you can't accept the earthly lessons I share, how will you fathom the heavenly teachings?"
Step Three: Reflect
Use this space to answer the following questions. Consult The Inquisitive Christ
for insight into pertinent Gospel texts. If there is dialogue in the passage, who is speaking (in 1 complete sentence)?
The two people that are speaking is Nicodemus where he initiates the conversation to Jesus and Jesus is responding to Nicodemus’s questions and statements.
What questions are asked in the passage? Please list all
questions located in the passage.
“How can someone be born when they are old?” - John 3:4
“How can this be?” – John 3:9
“… and do you not understand these things?” – John 3:10 “… how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” – John 3:12
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BIBL 110
How would you answer each of the questions asked (in at least 3 sentences)?
When Jesus inquired about the possibility of a mature person being born again, he wasn’t referring to physical birth but rather to spiritual rebirth. This marks the moment when one yields their life to God and starts anew. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus paved
the way for our spiritual rebirth. By bearing the consequences of our sins, He granted us the opportunity to repent to gain access to heaven. While there may be aspects I don’t fully grasp, my eagerness to deepen my understanding remains. As I commit to immersing myself in God’s Word and diligent study, I’ll be better prepared to have faith in the heavenly truths you share with me.
What words or phrases stand out to you, and why? Are any words/themes repeated? If so, share why you think there is repetition. Please answer with at least 3 sentences.
"I have spoken to you of earthly things, and you do not believe," Jesus continued, which attracted my attention. This touched near to home for me since I have been offered grace and compassion several times, yet there are still times in my life when I believe I need to do things all on myself rather than looking to him. I heard Jesus say "Very truly" several times. This came out to me since I believe it was Jesus' way of ensuring Nicodemus had been paying focus and comprehending the gravity of what he had been stating.
What questions do you have as you read this passage? If you have no questions, please explain why this might be the case.
I'm ashamed to say that I wondered why it was so challenging for him to trust the heavenly
things he was instructed to believe, but then I thought about myself and realized that I, too,
battle to have trust in God.
Step Four: Pray
Use this space to formulate a prayer to God, dialoguing with Him about what he may be speaking to you in this passage:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord, like Nicodemus, I frequently find myself wondering and seeking understanding. I recognize that Your Word contains the solutions to life's most deep puzzles. I seek You in the silence of my spirit, much as Nicodemus came to Jesus at night, maybe signifying his desire to seek You in the peaceful times of his heart. I know, my God, that the question of being "born again" refers to a spiritual transformation and regeneration as well as physical birth. It is a surrendering moment, a regeneration of the soul. I am grateful for the gift of Your Son, Jesus,
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BIBL 110
who paved the path for this spiritual rebirth via His sacrifice on the cross. His mercy enables me to repent and find my way to eternal life with You. Help me, Lord, to concentrate on Your Word, to study it thoroughly, and to reflect on its truths. May Your Holy Spirit lead me on my journey of faith and knowledge, so that I might trust and believe in the heavenly things You show me.
Amen
Step Five: Respond
Use this space to contemplate how God may be asking you to respond to this passage in your life
with him:
This passage emphasizes the significance of spiritual rebirth, or the changing of one's heart
and soul through trust in Jesus Christ. God invites me to reflect on my own spiritual path and determine whether I have experienced this rebirth. I need to spend time studying God's Word in order to better grasp the lofty realities that He discloses. God urges me to immerse myself in the Bible, which is a treasure store of information and understanding. Just as Nicodemus struggled to comprehend the whole scope of Jesus' message, I, too, may experience periods of hesitation and doubt. God is urging me to believe in His plan and His promises during such times. In the end, God's invitation in answer to this chapter is a call to more faith, greater humility, and a never-ending search of spiritual growth and enlightenment. It's an invitation to give in to His transformational love and kindness, knowing that He is the source of eternal life and wisdom. Page 4 of 4