Today’s scripture: John 3:31-36 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Tyler Connoley):
I recently saw a dramatic presentation of the Gospel of John. Brad Sherrill, an actor from Atlanta, has memorized the entire gospel, and presents it in a one-man play. One of the things I noticed as I watched this amazing production was the artistry of this gospel’s writing. The author has clearly taken the time to weave the story together with thought and precision. He includes themes that repeat, and sometimes build on themselves: Light, water, and Spirit are the themes I noticed that night. Perhaps there are others.
Chapter 3 is our introduction to the theme of Spirit. The Spirit made an appearance in Chapter 1, when it descended on Jesus in the form of dove, but this is the first time in the story when Jesus talks about God’s Spirit in any depth. I see a subtle building in the way the author of John presents the idea of God’s Spirit in this gospel.
In the verses from today, it would be easy to think Jesus is the only one with access to the Spirit, which God “gives without measure” to the Son. That may even be true at this point in the story, but keep your eyes and ears open as the author develops this theme, as he remembers Jesus’ words and presents them to us in a carefully crafted narrative.
In the very next chapter, Jesus will talk to a Samaritan woman at a well about the God who is Spirit, and who must be worshiped in Spirit. In Chapter 7, he will foreshadow the fact that his followers will receive God’s Spirit at some point in the future. In Chapter 14, he will talk explicitly about the Spirit who will lead Jesus’ followers into all truth. And in Chapter 20, the theme of Spirit will culminate with this spine-tingling recollection: “When Jesus had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”
John weaves the theme of Spirit through his gospel to bring us to this truth: The Spirit — God’s Spirit — which is given without measure and leads into all truth is available to all those who follow Jesus.
Thought for the day: Thank you God, for your Spirit that is available to us without measure. Thank you also for the craftsmanship of the man who authored this gospel, remembering Jesus’ teachings and weaving them into a beautiful narrative so we could learn from them today.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.
A message from Pastor Jeff for those who live far from our Church