John 3:1-8
Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts
S – What verse stands out to me today?
O – What is God revealing about Jesus?
A – How should this change my life today?
P – What is my prayer in response?
Scripture
John 3:1-8 (LEB) Now there was a man of the Pharisees ⌊whose name was⌋ Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to him at night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one is able to perform these signs that you are performing unless God were with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born from above, he is not able to see the kingdom of God.”4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is an old man? He is not able to enter into his mother’s womb for the second time and be born, can he?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Observation
• We are told that Nicodemus is a Pharisee and that he is a “ruler” of the Jews, which means he is a member of the Sanhedrin (the ruling council of the Jewish people).
• Interestingly, Nicodemus visited Jesus “at night” to avoid people seeing him talking with Jesus.
• Nicodemus uses the term “Rabbi” when speaking to Jesus. This is a term of respect towards Jesus.
• I notice the term “signs” again. These “signs” are clearly associated with someone who has God with them.
• In John, the phrase “Truly, truly…” is repeated when Jesus is making an authoritative statement. He uses this phrase twice in these 8 verses. Once in verse 3 and then in verse 5.
• Jesus tells us that “unless someone is born from above,” they will not be able to see the Kingdom of God. Additionally, Jesus says, “unless someone is born of water and spirit,” they will not be able to enter the kingdom of God.
• I notice that this new birth leads to people being able to both “see” and “enter” the Kingdom of God.
• Nicodemus misunderstands what Jesus is telling him. He takes the word of Jesus literally, but Jesus is speaking figuratively. Jesus is speaking of a spiritual reality.
• The language of the spirit is very prominent in these verses.
Application
• I never want to be secretive about my relationship with Jesus. I want everyone to see my love and devotion to God. I will go to Jesus in the day and the night. I don’t care what others think.
Prayer
Dear Lord, search me and know me. I desire to live baptized in the water and full of your spirit. Empower my life to reflect to the world my love and devotion to you. May more and more people see my deeds and believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Amen!
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