For God So Loved The World

John 3:1-17

One thing that is unique about John’s Gospel is that throughout his narrative, John gives many examples of Jesus’ one-on-one ministry with individuals.  Here in Chapter 3, we see the first such example, as Jesus spent an evening talking with Nicodemus, explaining salvation to him, and showing him the way to the Father.

The Jewish people were looking for a military hero to be their messiah, one who would kick the Romans out, and set up a kingdom for the Jews.  What Jesus told Nicodemus in this passage of Scripture was totally different from what the Jews had always believed.  This kingdom of God that Jesus spoke of was for the whole world, not just Jews.  It is personal, not national or ethnic.  They were a very exclusive people, but God is not.  Also, as He explained here, one cannot be a part of this kingdom unless they repent and are born again.

Today most people, at least here in the United States, have heard the phrase “born-again”.  Nicodemus, though, had never heard that phrase.  What would being born-again mean?  It is through being born-again we become the children of God, and heirs to everything He offers us.  The Holy Spirit works in a person’s heart to where they believe that Jesus Christ died in their place on the cross for their sins, and that His death provides forgiveness for those sins.  One must accept that Jesus Christ is the only One who can redeem us, repent of their sins, and confess Him as Lord and Savior.

As many preachers throughout the ages have said, probably the most well-known verse is right here in verse 16.  It has been called the Gospel in a nutshell.  God paid the price for our salvation with the life of His Son.  Jesus took the punishment that was ours, and paid the price for our sins.  He offered us a new life and a place in heaven.  Jesus’ death on the cross is mankind’s only hope.

In verse 16 we read the word “believe”.  That word in this context here is more than intellectual agreement, more than just having head knowledge about Jesus, such as He was a historic person, born in Bethlehem, died in Jerusalem, did this and that, etc.  It is believing in God, that Jesus took your punishment on Himself, died to save you from hell, and believe that He rose again.  It is putting our trust and confidence in Jesus, trusting that His words are true, and believing that He alone can save us.  

Another thing we read in verse 16 is the word “whoever”.  Whoever believes, not just some people or certain people, but whoever.  God has not chosen some people for heaven, and some people for hell.  The good news found in Jesus is offered to all who will receive Him as their Savior.  His mercy extends the globe.  It is a lie of the devil to  think that we aren’t important enough for God to single us out for His love and blessings.  He loves us, and says it again and again in Scriptures.  There has never been another god who was willing to come to earth and sacrifice himself for mankind, but Yahweh loves His people so much He sent His Son, Jesus to die for our salvation.

Let me close with a closer look at verse 14.  The reference being made here comes from the story in the Book of Numbers in chapter 21.  The people of Israel had been complaining to God yet again about the food, or their thinking in a lack of good food.  God sent the fiery serpents, and those who were bitten died.  Moses made a bronze copy of a serpent and placed it on a pole, and whoever looked at it, believing they would be healed, would live.  Jesus says the same thing about us.  If we look to Him, there upon the cross, believing why He was there, will live, live eternally.  This brings to my mind an old-time Gospel hymn by William Ogden, “Look and Live”.

Look and live, my brother, live!

Look to Jesus now and live;

‘Tis recorded in His Word, hallelujah!

It is only that you look and live!