John, Day 1 Readings

Jesus' Beginnings & The Promise of Spiritual Sight 

Today's first reading is the lengthy introduction to Jesus.  It takes three forms.  The first is a cosmological introduction of Jesus, which echoes the creation account of Genesis 1.  This ties the life and meaning of Jesus to the creation and the Creator, God.

The second is a theological introduction through the eyes of John the Baptist.  Here Jesus is the sacrificial lamb of God, who will atone for the sins of humankind.  This third is practical introduction where Jesus calls the first disciples.  Through the experience of the disciples, and following their example, readers are also expected to come to recognize Jesus as the source of their (our) salvation.

Read John 1:1-51  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading offers what is perhaps the most famous single verse in the Bible, John 3:16.  This is part of a discussion between Jesus and a Jewish leader named Nicodemus.  In it, Jesus tries to teach how people need a new way of seeing reality -- encouraged by the Holy Spirit.  This spiritual eyesight allows them to recognize Jesus for who he truly is and to be prepared for eternal life in the kingdom of God.

Read John 3:1-36  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read John 1-4 today.