In this episode of the Rooted Asian American Podcast, host Justin Wong is joined by pastors Terrence Shay and Huey Lee for a deep-dive conversation on how to study and teach one of the most famous verses in Scripture: John 3:16. The discussion explores translation choices, contextual hermeneutics, Old Testament connections, the value of physical Bibles, and how to shepherd Gen Z and Gen Alpha students past over-assumed religious jargon.
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Teaching John 3:16
John 3:16 is one of the most familiar verses in Scripture, but how often do we slow down to help students understand what it really means? In this episode, we consider the importance of understanding the surrounding story, the people and places in the text, and Jesus’ connection to the Old Testament. We also reflect on how Nicodemus’s questions can encourage students to bring their own doubts and curiosity to Jesus, and how parents and ministry leaders can cultivate relationships where honest questions about faith are welcomed.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why teaching John 3:16 requires understanding the larger biblical story
- How the Old Testament helps us study Scripture more faithfully
- Why students need space to ask honest questions without fear of being wrong
- How parents can lead with questions and build trust through conversations about faith
More Rooted Resources:
Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds
Christian Youth Ministry Curriculum
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