Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
Q: Why did Jesus do what he did? A: John 3:16 I still believe memorization can be helpful when it comes to teaching confirmation. Most of the time we may memorize a part of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, but right now I currently have the confirmands memorizing verses from scripture. This last week I asked them to memorize John 3:16. 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. (NRSV) Do you think that without reading the verse above you could remember the gist of it? This verse is seen all over signs at sporting events, jewelry, and tattoos. In my mind, it is overused without fully grasping its meaning. It speaks of the strength of belief and the strength of Jesus. In true catechesis form, here is my take at explaining John 3:16 (John 3:16 NRSV) 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. What does this mean? Or What is this? Jesus came to this world for the purpose of granting eternal life to humanity. How does this come about? Jesus suffered and died on the cross for our sins. Three days later he rose from the dead, thus conquering death and the power of sin. It is through faith, given to us by the Holy Spirit, that we come to know of this saving act of Christ and know of the eternal life granted to us. Points to Ponder:
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
|