Reflective Reading (1) John FINAL
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Apr 3, 2024
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BIBL 110
R
EFLECTIVE
R
EADING
T
EMPLATE
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)?
According to
McClendon and Cartwright (2022), John, a disciple of Jesus and the son of Zebedee wrote in the year 80 AD. John wrote from Ephesus, as the early church fathers nearly unanimously agreed. Scholars cite internal evidence that points to the audience of John as Christians in the Diaspora, most likely Jewish believers who spoke Greek.
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, when was this biblical book written (in 1 sentence)? The Gospel of John was written in the year 80 AD (McClendon & Cartwright, 2022).
By consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament
, what is the overall theme of the book (in 2-3 sentences)?
As stated by McClendon and Cartwright (2022), John’s Gospel alone emphasizes that Jesus Christ is “explicitly identified with God. John is also particular about which sign-miracles (semeia) of Jesus to include in his account, choosing narratives that most effectively further his theme of Jesus as the Christ, one with God. Likewise, only John includes the famous “I AM” statements of Jesus, as well as the only other designation of Jesus as “the Lamb of God” listed in the Gospels.
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Step Two: Read
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.
John 3: 1-12 (New International Version)
Jesus Teaches Nicodemus 1. Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
3. Jesus replied, “Verily truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4. “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5. Jesus answered, “Verily truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’
8. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
9. “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. 10. “you are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “ and do you not understand these things? 11. Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? Page 2 of 6
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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)?
In this passage, Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus. What questions are asked in the passage? Please list all
questions located in the passage.
1. “How can someone be born when they are old?’ asked by Nicodemus
2. “How can this be?” asked by Nicodemus 3. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus and do you not understand these things? asked by Jesus 4. …. how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? asked by Jesus How would you answer each of the questions asked (in at least 3 sentences)?
1. His question betrays a combination of skepticism and interest. Jesus shared a significant realization. He clarified that being born again is a spiritual transformation rather than a bodily rebirth. Jesus stressed the necessity of a spiritual rebirth, which happens by faith and the activity of the Holy Spirit. The new birth that Jesus offers a transformation of the heart and soul is as amazing as physical birth.
2. Nicodemus was taught the letter of the law from his early years until he was an adult. This is referred to as the God's word's logos reflection. Jesus was explaining the Rhema word experience
to Nicodemus. The Rhema experience of God's word emphasizes a relationship of faith. Jesus was providing Nicodemus with a heart experience, but he was more interested in head knowledge.
3. Ironically, a person with Nicodemus's background and expertise could be able to understand these spiritual realities, as this inquiry brings to light. Jesus reminded him that comprehension needs to go beyond things in this world. This statement serves as a reminder that genuine wisdom originates from acknowledging and embracing divine revelation. To put it simply, Jesus pushed Nicodemus to look past the obvious and interact with the deep spiritual truths He was revealing.
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BIBL 110
4. Jesus knows that Nicodemus finds it difficult to understand even the earthly things He teaches.
How can Nicodemus understand the higher, heavenly mysteries if he is unable to embrace these fundamental lessons? Jesus questions Nicodemus's skepticism of the straightforward realities He has previously shown. How can Nicodemus understand the more profound truths if he is unable to accept the fundamental teachings? The text emphasizes the value of having faith and being receptive to spiritual guidance.
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.
Throughout the chapter, the word born is used five times. The term's repetition conveys its significance for our everlasting future. To come into existence or to be brought into existence is the definition of the word born. Jesus is therefore teaching Nicodemus that the only way to see God in heaven is to effectively die to oneself and be resurrected through Jesus employing the Holy Spirit and water baptism.
What questions do you have as you read this passage? If you have no questions, please explain why this might be the case.
Why did Nicodemus go to Jesus at night?
Why didn’t Nicodemus know he must be born again?
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:
Like Nicodemus, I approach You, Heavenly Father, with an open heart and a teachable disposition. Your knowledge and insight are what I desire. Please enable me to see that You are the only reliable source of information rather than depending just on my understanding. Eternal life can only be attained via You, as You possess the truth. My prayer is for a spiritual renewal as
I consider what Jesus said to Nicodemus. May You, through Your kindness, give me a fresh start
instead of my own. Please allow me to live in Your truth and to see Your kingdom
.
I'm grateful for the gift of eternal life. May, I accept Your offering in the knowledge that Your blood has Page 4 of 6
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covered the cost of my transgressions. Please surround me with love and thank you for the great sacrifice that makes Your unending love for me evident. In Jesus’ name, I pray. 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:
Am I letting Jesus use our interactions to strengthen my faith? As I read and reread this chapter, one question has been coming up in my head. Sometimes I imagine myself as Nicodemus, totally
enthralled with Jesus, but not paying attention to what he has to say. I hear God reminding me that faith takes control when an answer doesn't make sense. Nicodemus appears to understand in the verse that Jesus is the Messiah and that His way is the only way, but his faith is tested by how
unfathomable it all looks. It went against everything he'd been educated and instructed in. Nicodemus was unable to let faith guide him. Page 5 of 6
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References
McClendon, A., & Cartwright, J. (2022). Approaching the New Testament: A Guide for Students.
B&H Academic.
Murphy, C. L. T. (2020). The Inquisitive Christ: 12 Engaging Questions
. Hachette
New International Version
. Bible Gateway, www.biblegateway.com
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