Play-by-Play: John (1/3)Sample

A Fresh Start

Theme verse: “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3

The 2019-20 NBA season went on break March 11, 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic. A couple of months later, they restarted, with 22 teams returning to play with lots of new rules. The reboot included stringent health and safety protocols and a single-site campus at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Restarts are nothing new in track and field when someone has a false start, but nothing like this had happened in a team sport like basketball. The pandemic caused many different sports worldwide to pause or cancel with the hope of restarting soon.

Restarts are also crucial to our spiritual lives. For us, restarts happen when we realize something is missing or broken. That realization causes us to reflect on our lives and hit the restart button. Finding the right restart is critical to our spiritual race. Jesus had a lot to say about restarts in the Bible’s classic passage (John 3:1-21). He had just been asked a restart question by Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee, and a member of the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of the Jews).

Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’”

The phrase “born again” literally means “born from above.” Are you like Nicodemus? Do you want to restart your life? Jesus teaches we all need a righteousness restart, a second birth. He calls it being “born again.” Attempting to produce our own righteousness before God won’t work. God’s not impressed with our efforts, even at its best. (v3)

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete understand they have sinned against God and deserve punishment. But Jesus Christ took the punishment that they deserve, so they can be forgiven through faith in Him. They have repented from their sin and became a new creation in Christ.

H.E.A.R.

As you read today’s chapter, journal using the H.E.A.R method:

H (Highlight) - What stands out to you? If something stands out to you, it’s likely God pulling you toward a certain portion of scripture.

E (Explain) - Describe in context the text. Ask questions like: Why was this written? To whom was it originally written? How does this fit with the verses before and after? Why did the Holy Spirit include this passage in the book?

A (Apply) - How do you take this verse beyond the page? Ask questions like: How can this help me? What does this mean today? What would the application of this verse look like in my life? What is God saying to me?

R (Respond) - This is where you will write a measurable response to the truth God revealed. Maybe it will be a call to action, something you will change in the coming week. Maybe it will be a prayer asking God to help you work this truth into your life. Whichever, make sure it is measurable so you can hold yourself accountable in your growth as a disciple.