John 3:16-18

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

NOTE—I often read passages in different translations. It can unlock better understanding when we read scripture in language more familiar to us. Notice that I used two different translations of these few verses.

John 3:16-18 (LEB) 16 For in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world in order that he should judge the world, but in order that the world should be saved through him. 18 The one who believes in him is not judged, but the one who does not believe has already been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

John 3:16-18 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. 18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.

Observation

• The “For” at the beginning connects the previous verses to the idea of “eternal life” through the sacrifice of Jesus, the Son. 

• I see the repeating of the phrase, “one and only” Son. The "Son" language is also repeated. More belief (“believes” 2x) language is spread throughout this verse. 

• The reason God sent his Son into the world was to save them from eternal perishing and coming judgement. We are told that God “loved” the world so much that He didn’t want anyone to perish, but for all to have eternal life with Him. 

• I notice the emphasis on Jesus not bringing judgement (“not to judge the world”) to bringing salvation to all who believe. 

• We avoid judgement by believing in Jesus. We deserve judgement, but through Jesus we receive salvation.

• However, if someone decides NOT to believe, they have already been judged and will spend eternity separated from God.

Application

• I am so glad I met Jesus when I was 14 years old. Salvation came to my life, and I am eternally grateful. 

• I believe in God’s one and only Son.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you so much for loving the world so much that you sent your Son to save the world. More personally, thank you so much for loving me so much to send your Son Jesus for me. My life will never be the same! I am so grateful that I never have to fear death, because my eternity is secure in you, Jesus. Thank you for loving me so much that you came to save me. Help me to share this good news with everyone I can. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Have questions about today’s S.O.A.P. study? Comment below!