John 3:14–21 (NRSV)
Read John 3:14–21 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, Verse 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. Verse 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Verse 17"Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Verse 18Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. Verse 19And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. Verse 20For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. Verse 21But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God."
Devotion
It takes courage and a willingness to admit our brokenness. Light reveals the ways in which we have fallen short, hurt others, and lived only for ourselves. We might find it much easier and more comfortable just to hide in the darkness, because sometimes the light feels like judgment. But when we are honest and vulnerable about ourselves, we are convicted. Because of God’s grace we are given another chance—and then another, and another. That is what God’s love does for us; it creates new beginnings in us. Death and darkness do not have the last word. God loves the world, wants the very best for the world, and has such abundant grace and compassion for the world that God sent God’s only Son to be lifted up in order that we might have new life.
Prayer
God of light, may we use today to examine the ways which have separated us from you. Help us to be vulnerable and brave and with all that we are, return to you and your forgiving grace. Amen.