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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: John 3:7b-15

Setting: A night meeting between Jesus and Nicodemus.

Our author, John, loves to drop small elements in his writing that hint at deeper meanings. I believe that mentioning this meeting at night had some profound importance. Many think that Nicodemus did not want to be seen with the controversial Nazarene - guilt by association - and therefore chose the cloak of darkness. According to Jewish history, it was common practice for Pharisees to have their theological discussions at night. It would have been like men in the Gilded Age, retiring to the smoking rooms, the wealthy Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, debating issues regarding oil and railroads. In John’s story, it was the Sadducees and Pharisees, discussing laws and their awaited Messiah.

With that said, this meeting could have been a sign of respect from Nicodemus, treating Jesus like one of the guys, part of the club. After all, he does address him as “Rabbi.” Nicodemus wanted to discuss what he had been seeing; the power of God was in Jesus. He'd witnessed miracles. However, instead of handing Jesus a glass of brandy, he held out his empty glass for Jesus to fill . . . and that is what Jesus did. Nicodemus is confused as Jesus pours out words. Words about “being born from above.”

Nicodemus cannot understand how that can happen, so Jesus pours out more for Nicodemus and us to slowly sip. The spirit of God is a mystery, like the wind. We feel it move things, but we do not know where it comes from. If we believe in the wind, yet do not see it, we must believe in the Spirit and other “heavenly things.” Ultimately, we must believe that each day is a chance for renewal, a chance to be born again. To fill our cup with God’s spirit.

 

Ponder:

 

Do I struggle in the night, like Nicodemus, trying to understand my faith? Am I blind to the bridegroom sitting with me, ready to fill my cup with His spirit?

 

Pray:


Dear God, may I drink slowly as I start each day, believing in the miracle of Your spirit inside of me and knowing that one day I will join Jesus with our Father in heaven.

 

Click to tweet:
Ultimately, we must believe that each day is a chance for renewal, a chance to be born again. To fill our cup with God’s spirit. #DailyGospel

Daily Gospel 2

 

Copyright 2024 Cathy Maziarz

About the Author

Cathy Maziarz

Cathy Maziarz

From the Navajo Indian Reservation to the US Navy to Mount Everest … Cathy’s adventures have now made their way to paper where she hopes to inspire and educate youth. She is a teacher and writer with a mission to point others toward Jesus, our True North. She lives on a farm in Virginia with her husband, Greg, and her furbaby, Chessie. Follow at TrueNorthAdventure.net.