BIBL 110
REFLECTIVE READING TEMPLATE
Reflective Reading Passage: _______John 3:1-12__________________________________
Use this template and the course texts The Inquisitive Christ and Approaching the New
Testament to record brief notes for each step of the reflective reading process.
Step One: Prepare
Use this space to understand the key elements of context to your passage. Consulting and citing
Approaching the New Testament, please complete the contextual information according to the
information found in the course textbook:
By consulting and citing Approaching the New Testament, who is the author of this biblical book
(in 2-3 sentences)?
It appears the the Gospel of John was written by John.n His position as the
Baptizer helps give resolute understanding of the power of Jesus and his
position and messiah.
By consulting and citing Approaching the New Testament, when was this biblical book written (in
1 sentence)?
Shortly after the destruction of the temple in 70 AD.
By consulting and citing Approaching the New Testament, what is the overall theme of the book
(in 2-3 sentences)?
This dual theme of revelation and rejection are repeated through the book. We
see the revelations of not just Jesus’ supernatural ability but it brings to light a
greater theological idea about his power. We also see the repeated rejection of
Jesus by the people because of their nonbelief.
Step Two: Read
Utilizing either a translation of choice or creating a paraphrase of your own, use this space to re-
write the full passage of scripture. Please do not copy and paste from an existing translation, but
rather, write out the passage word-by-word in order to slowly reflect on the content.
BIBL 110
Nicodemus, the Pharasee, goes to see Jesus and tells him that he believes he has
come directly from God because no one else can do the things that Jesus can do
apart from anyone sent directly from God. Jesus is like, “Very truly, I tell you, no
one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus is
then confused by Jesus’ comment because he thinks Jesus is talking about a
literal physical birth. Jesus is like, No, silly I’m not talking about flesh, I’m talking
about spirit! Nicodemus still doesn’t get it, so Jesus says, “ Very truly I tell you,
we speak of what we know and testify t what we have seen; yet you do not
receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not
believe, ow can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?” Jesus goes on
to explain to him that no one can go spiritually to heaven if they have not come
spiritually from heaven, they must have allowed themselves and given
themselves to God to be lifted up in the kingdom of heaven.
Step Three: Reflect
Use this space to answer the following questions. Consult The Inquisitive Christ for insight into
pertinent Gospel texts.
If there is dialogue in the passage, who is speaking (in 1 complete sentence)?
This passage has Jesus conversing with a Pharisee name Nicodemus.
What questions are asked in the passage? Please list all questions located in the passage.
1. “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second
time into the mother’s womb and be born?” -Nicodemus to Jesus
2. “How can these things be?” -Nicodemus to Jesus
3. “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things?”
Nicodemus to Jesus
4. “If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you
believe if I tell you about heavenly things?” Jesus to Nicodemus How would you
answer each of the questions asked (in at least 3 sentences)?
1. As Jesus explained, being born again has to do with the spirit. It is the
concept of having your spirit prepared for the kingdom of heaven, not the
body. It is through faith in Jesus and belief in God that a person can have
their spirit born again and promised to the Kingdom of Heaven.
BIBL 110
2. They are so because God says it.
3. Yes, in fact, a teacher who pushes their students to question what they
know.
4. Earthly things can be seen and touched. Like I can feel the wind on my
face and the sand beneath my feet. I cannot comprehend Heavenly things
that I have not seen or felt.
What words or phrases stand out to you, and why? Are any words/themes repeated? If so, share
why you think there is repetition. Please answer with at least 3 sentences.
“The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not
know where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the spirit.” This
passage stands out to me as it is the basis of the concept of faith. It is the full
believing in something that we cannot see or touch or feel. As in Hebrews 11:1,
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not
seen”.
What questions do you have as you read this passage? If you have no questions, please explain
why this might be the case.
This passage leaves me with no questions. It is very matter of fact, Jesus is
conveying the concept of being reborn and of having faith in the path to the
Kingdom of Heaven. He also explains to him that Heaven cannot be fully
comprehended by earthly hands.
Step Four: Pray
Use this space to formulate a prayer to God, dialoguing with Him about what he may be
speaking to you in this passage:
Dear Father,
I see how you have allowed us to question you, and use your son to answer us
and make us think at the same time. You tell us to remember the kingdom of
heaven is not comparable to our earthly knowledge but far surpasses the glory
of Earth. Thank you Lord for this future for my spirit.
Amen
BIBL 110
Step Five: Respond
Use this space to contemplate how God may be asking you to respond to this passage in your life
with him:
This passage reiterates the concept of faith. Faith in who Jesus is, faith in God, faith in
the Kingdom of Heaven. We do not need to be able to see or touch something for it to not be
as real as every tree or blade of grass we see on Earth.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
