Mercy of Jesus – Reflection on John 3:13-17
Despite the disruptive world surrounding us, we believe Jesus can and has saved us from worldliness. We can look back at the effect of Moses’s Bronze snake on a pole in the desert. One had to look at it to be saved from death after being bitten (sins). Our sins work the same way with Jesus. We have to keep metaphorically looking for and at the mercy of Jesus. Our sins may have grown smaller by God’s Grace over time. However, being bitten is a long-term continuum. Salvation and believing is more than a one-time statement of “Jesus is my Savior.” To be saved by Jesus means we must continue to be connected to and use the grace we have been given and be Christ-like, all while mercifully giving and accepting forgiveness.
Interview between Jesus and Nicodemus by James Tissot (full resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
John 3:13-17 – Scripture*
13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that 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.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina John 3:13-17 Reflection – Mercy of Jesus.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 3 Bible passage.
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This Lectio Divina on John 3:13-17 Reflection – Mercy of Jesus is in the Lectionary season of Ordinary Time.
Additional Lectio Divina Scripture reflections are available by season.