Sunday Worship Service - March 5, 2023

John 3:16 is a verse that shines so bright that we sometimes miss its context. The story that surrounds it is important as well. When Jesus speaks those well-known words (“For God so loved the world…”), he is speaking to Nicodemus who is clueless as to what Jesus is trying to explain. He just doesn’t get it. As Jesus points out in the story, “you are Israel’s teacher,” and he still does not understand. While Nicodemus fails to grasp the meaning of Jesus’ words, other people in John’s gospel do catch on (like the Samaritan woman in the next chapter) and come to belief. In the sermon on Sunday we will explore what leads people – like Nicodemus – to express interest in faith, but to be uncomprehending about it. This is a fascinating story, one with much to teach us about coming to faith.