John 3:9-15

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 3:9-15 (LEB) 9 Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly I say to you, we speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony! 12 If I tell you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 And no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, thus it is necessary that the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”

Observation

• Nicodemus continues to ask questions. He still doesn’t understand the message of Jesus. He is still thinking literally. 

• Jesus seems to be surprised that this Pharisee and Ruler of the Jews is having such a hard time getting the figurative concepts he is sharing with him. 

• Jesus continues to explain things to Nicodemus by using the repeated phrase, “Truly, truly I say…”

• Nothing seems to convince Nicodemus or the religious leaders. Earthly things don’t lead to them believing. If they can’t believe what they see, then how will they believe what they cannot see?

• Jesus substantiates his testimony by explaining to Nicodemus that he is the only one who has both ascended and descended from heaven. 

• I notice that Jesus references Moses lifting up the snake in the wilderness as an example of him (the Son of Man) being lifted up. The implication is Jesus being lifted up on the cross. 

• The reason for this lifting up is that “everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”

Application

• The lifting up of Jesus (on the cross) leads to my salvation if I believe. I do believe.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, be high and lifted up! I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Help me to lift you up each day. May people see you before they see me. Thank you for your willingness to be lifted up so that I could be saved and spend eternity with you. In Jesus’ name! Amen!

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