We read John 3 today in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. Though John 3:16 has become a cliche to many unbelievers, it is still the MOST powerful message that we can give to them! It is MOST important, though, that we give them this message in context! The verses both before and after give a more thorough picture of this wonderful GOOD NEWS! Verses 14-18:
14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert [on a pole], so must [so it is necessary that] the Son of Man be lifted up [on the cross], 15 In order that everyone who believes in Him [who cleaves to Him, trusts Him, and relies on Him] may not perish, but have eternal life and [actually] live forever! 16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. 18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation—he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name.]
Those bringing a message of condemnation to the lost are NOT really presenting the Good News! The Good News is that IF they accept and receive this wonderful free GIFT, there will be NO condemnation (Romans 8:1)! Jesus already paid the full price of the judgment of sin against us! HE died in OUR place, so that WE would never have to! THAT is the message that we are to present to the world! THAT is the GOSPEL! Rejoice and be FILLED with joy when presenting this message to the lost! Your joy will affect them, even if they don't seem interested or are even antagonistic when you share. That seed of the Word that you sow into them will continue to come back to them, over and over and over again! YOUR reward is in the seed, NOT in the result! So, go for it boldly and joyfully! AMEN! As Jesus was ministering these Truths to Nicodemus when he came by himself to ask these questions, Jesus also said this in verse 13:
13 And yet no one has ever gone up to heaven, but there is One Who has come down from heaven—the Son of Man [Himself], Who is (dwells, has His home) in heaven.
This verse leads right into our song for today! Hillsong Worship's "What A Beautiful Name", which includes this lyrics:
{You didn't want Heaven without us/ So Jesus You brought Heaven down!} LOVE that!
Shalom in Him!
