Experiencing Jesus e~Devotional | 5/1

PASSAGE: John 3 [17] For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

INSIGHT: In the story of John 9 from yesterday, we saw the difference in how Jesus responded and how the disciples responded to someone who was suffering. In the 1st century New Testament times, when someone suffered the religious community often wondered what the person did wrong. But Jesus refuted that idea. God’s main purpose with humankind is reconciliation. Many people are familiar with John 3 [16] but how many are familiar with the verse that follows it? John 3 [17] adds to the prior verse by further expounding on God’s love and compassion for the human race. He wants every single person to be reconciled to him. It’s not automatic. The offer is there but we need to respond by accepting God’s offer and trusting Christ as our Savior and Leader of our lives.

PRAYER FOCUS: If you haven’t accepted God’s offer of being reconciled to him, read back over John chapter 3 and ask God to show what verses 16 and 17 really mean.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR TODAY: If you’ve already begun a personal relationship with Christ, are you taking that love relationship for granted at times? Spend some time reflecting on how incredible it is that the God of the universe would reach down to us and offer the gift of eternal life with him – forever.