John 3:16-18 –“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
Observation –
This is Jesus speaking with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and leader of the Jewish people. Nicodemus had come to Jesus under the cloak of darkness to try to figure out who Jesus was and how to be in the Kingdom of God. After telling Nicodemus that you must be born again of the Spirit, Jesus tell Nicodemus of God’s plan for redemption. God sent his only Son, Jesus, in the greatest love the world will ever know to take on the sin of all mankind that separates man from God. Whoever believes in the name of Jesus will have salvation for eternity with God the Father. Jesus came to save the world not condemn. The only way not to be condemned is to have faith in Jesus and trust him as our Lord and savior!
Application –
John 3:16 is the gospel message about God’s redemptive plan for the people he created in His image. The love of Christ is the greatest, most powerful love that has the power to change hearts and lives. Perfect, sinless Jesus has forgiven me and wiped my slate clean of every sin in His blood shed on the cross. This is the greatest news ever and I need to live on mission to share the gospel. I must never forget that I am dead saved only by Jesus and brought to life a new creation in Him. God loves the world and wants to have a relationship with everyone no matter what they have done who will believe in the name of Jesus. My call and that of everyone who is a follower of Jesus is to live to point to Jesus and glorify Him.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for your great love in sending Jesus to save me and all who believe in his name. Let the power of the Holy Spirit lead and guide me to receive your love and share it with all to honor you.