​2nd Friday of Lent (March 13) “From knowing to believing”

Prepare to Listen. In stillness be attentive to Jesus.  Pray: You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
 
Prayerfully Read John 3:11-17
11‘Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony.  12If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?  13No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.  14And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.  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.  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.
 
Prayerfully Wonder
The journey that ended in not knowing continues.  Because Nicodemus finally admitted he didn’t know what he thought he knew so well, Jesus was able to teach him that he must go beyond knowing to believing.  The word ‘believe’ is used four times in these verses.  Our journey that began with confidently knowing Jesus, so that we confidently followed him, enters the stage of questions and doubts (our own confusion and misunderstanding).  Some, when they get there, quit and turn away from the gospel.  But those who go deeper, living with their not knowing will, if they keep listening, hear words as amazing as our favorite Bible verse: For God so loved the world… everyone who believes in him… may have eternal life.  We’re not waiting for eternal life.  We have it right now, when we believe.  And that belief leads us into a new way of knowing and a deeper relationship with Christ.
 
Prayerfully Reflect
I’ve skimmed over these wonderful words.  Which ones attract you today?  Sit with them in the presence of Jesus and wonder.
 
Respond to Jesus
God who is Love, you gave your Son so that I may have eternal life now; life that enables me to live in a loving relationship with you today.  Lord, I believe and long to know you better for the sake of Jesus, your Son.  Amen.
 
Go live obediently in the world, believing God loves the world and you.