I1 Instructions: Sermon 1--Diving Deeper: A Closer Look at Exegesis Steps

Diving Deeper: A Closer Look at Exegesis Steps

Preparation:

• Choose your passage: This guide uses John 3:16 as an example, but you can follow these steps with any passage in the Bible.

Investigate the Text:

• Genre: Identify the literary style. John 3:16 is part of the Gospel of John, which is a narrative text telling the story of Jesus' life and ministry. Understanding it as a story helps us interpret its meaning.

• Context is King: Look at the verses before and after John 3:16. These verses discuss a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a religious leader, about faith and eternal life. John 3:16 is the heart of Jesus' message to Nicodemus.

• Word Study: "World" in John 3:16 can have deeper meaning in Greek (the original language). Researching this word can reveal the passage refers to all humanity, not just the physical world.

• Grammar Matters: John 3:16 uses simple sentence structure, but note the contrasting ideas: "perish" vs. "have eternal life." This emphasizes the stark choices presented.

Consider the World Outside the Text:

• Historical Context: The Gospel of John was written decades after Jesus' death, for a community facing persecution. Understanding this context helps us see how the message of God's love (John 3:16) might have been especially meaningful.

• Authorial Intent: John, the author, likely wanted to emphasize God's immense love for humanity and the path to salvation through faith in Jesus.

Bridging the Gap:

• Cross-referencing: Look for other Bible passages about God's love and salvation (e.g. Romans 5:8). This reinforces the message of John 3:16.

• The Big Picture: John 3:16 is a cornerstone of Christian belief, expressing God's offer of salvation through Jesus. It connects to the broader theme of God's grace throughout the Bible.

Your Interpretation:

• Form a Thesis: Based on your analysis, you might develop a thesis like: "John 3:16 expresses God's universal love for humanity, offering eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ."

• Application: Even though the historical context differs, the message of God's love and the importance of faith can still be applied to our lives today. We can reflect on how this passage guides our own actions and relationships.