John 3

Stigmata assert identity and collective memory through self-scarred skin. What if we read the Thomas story through a tattoo hermeneutic?

Stigmata assert identity and collective memory through self-scarred skin. What if we read the Thomas story through a tattoo hermeneutic?

If Nicodemus wants to be a “teacher of Israel,” he needs to let go of his need to have all the answers—and he must be willing to learn.

Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night because all new life begins in the dark.

Great artists know that the past provides essential ingredients for the future. Jacob Collier exemplifies this. So does Jesus.

Jesus’ response to Nicodemus takes the form of a mild rebuke.

Sometimes being truly free in the Spirit means being deeply bound to the outworking of God’s mission in the world.

What has always interested me about the John 3:16 signs is the singular focus.

When John 3 came up I used to preach on the dangers of fixating on one verse. Now I cringe at that memory.

What we know about Sarai is what she lacks. This week’s reading lacks her.

Triumphalist uses of John 3:16 contradict the verse's historical context.

Triumphalist uses of John 3:16 contradict the verse's historical context.

The Bible provided some healthy agitation as we built coalitions to literally set the captives free.

The Bible provided some healthy agitation as we built coalitions to literally set the captives free.

Defining the Trinity is absurd.

When words fail, the church sings—especially on Trinity Sunday.

“Jesus was preaching to people who were in the middle of the worst farming and fishing crisis yet.”

“Jesus was preaching to people who were in the middle of the worst farming and fishing crisis yet.”

I have a complicated relationship with John 3:16.

I have a complicated relationship with John 3:16.