The key idea of this chapter is breaking cultural and religious barriers through loving and serving each other. Jesus shows us this on many separate occasions in John�s Gospel such as when he speaks with a Samaritan woman and washes his disciples� feet. By speaking with a Samaritan woman he went against two religious and social barriers: speaking with a woman he does not know and speaking with a Samaritan. This act shows us that all should be included in our love for each other. Jesus also breaks another social barrier by washing his disciples� feet, a job which is usually done by a slave and would never be performed by someone of a higher position. Through serving each other, we can reveal our nonexclusive love toward everyone. Early Christians also broke many cultural barriers by refusing to worship multiple gods and were persecuted for this. However, by realizing God�s love for them, the early Christians were able to continue their faith throughout the suffering they endured. This ideal was present in Dom Helder Camara who followed Jesus� example of breaking barriers by living a simple life surrounded by the poor, instead of living a life of luxury as an auxiliary bishop. In this chapter we are invited to break barriers in our own life through our service and love for each other.

2) Two major ideas I want to remember.

The first of two major ideas I want to remember is Jesus� ministry to the Samaritans. Although this is not found in any of the synoptic Gospels it is an important event since it is another reminder that Jesus was the Messiah to all, both Jews and Gentiles. The first mention of this is shown in John�s Gospel when Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman and has a conversation with her. Afterward, the Samaritan woman tells others about her encounter with Jesus and eventually becomes known as the first evangelizer. Although this event may seem unimportant, it shows us that Jesus extended his love toward everyone.

The second idea I want to remember from this chapter is Nicodemus� journey to becoming a disciple of Christ. Nicodemus was part of the Sanhedrin and was a close follower of Jewish Law. After seeing and hearing Jesus, he began to move toward understanding Jesus� message and �becoming part of the Light.� Later, Nicodemus defends Jesus before the Sanhedrin and provides spices for Jesus� burial. Eventually, Nicodemus was �drawn to the center of the Light� and was reborn in the Spirit. Nicodemus�s journey of faith shows us that anyone can be drawn to the Light and although there will be struggle in anyone�s journey of faith; it is our choices that will lead us either closer or away from Jesus.

3) An image that captures this chapter.

4) One significant question I have from this chapter

"Other than foretelling end of the world, what were some other purposes of the Book of Revelation?"

Other than the foretelling the end of the world, other purposes of the Book of Revelation include revealing how the first-century Christians responded to the persecution that was pressed upon them. This book also shows not only God's anger and eventual victory over evil and death, but also his love, mercy, and his victory over sin which has already occurred through Jesus' death and resurrection. The final, and possibly most important purpose of the Book of Revelation was to provide hope that through all of their persecution God would always be with them and supporting them. Although the Book of Revelation does reveal the end of the world, through symbolism, it has many other purposes that were just as important to the early Christians.

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