Daily Gospel Reflection for September 14, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: John 3:13-17

You’ve seen it. It’s printed on fast food cups and burger wrappers, it’s a fixture written on poster boards or flags at sporting events, and it’s probably one of the most well-known Bible verses ever. The wording may change, depending on the translation of Scripture, but John 3:16 always means the same thing. It’s actually the entire Gospel in a nutshell:

God loved each one of us so much that sent He sent His own Son, Jesus, to live among us and die a cruel death to pay the penalty for our sins simply so that we could spend eternity with Him; all we need to do is to believe.

 This was the first verse I memorized as a child:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” John 3:1

Over the years, no matter the translation, one thing has stood out to me: "whoever" means everyone, anyone!  Isn’t "whoever" an amazing word? Jesus opened his arms and gave His life for all who might come. No one is beyond His ability to forgive and save. The door is open to all: Jew or Gentile, man or woman, free or slave, no color barrier, no ethnic barrier, anyone means everyone. That seems so simple, yet it is so profound!

But let’s bring it a little closer to home. "Whoever" means me! And guess what?  "Whoever" also means you! God sent Jesus into the world because He wanted you and me to live with Him for eternity.

Ponder:

How can I respond to God today, knowing that He wants me to be with Him for eternity?

Pray:

Lord, remind me today of Your immense love and fill me with joy that I will be in Your presence forever.

Copyright 2024 Suzanne Beck