Scripture:
John 3:13-17 (WEBBE)
“No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.”
Reflection:
In this passage from the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about the profound and transformative nature of His mission on earth. He draws a powerful parallel between His own future sacrifice and the story of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness.
Jesus begins by asserting His unique authority and divine nature: “No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven.” This statement affirms His role as the divine Son of God who has come from heaven to bring a message of salvation.
The reference to Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness is a key part of understanding Jesus’ mission. In Numbers 21, when the Israelites were afflicted by venomous snakes due to their sin, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole. Anyone who looked at it would be healed. Similarly, Jesus refers to His impending crucifixion, where He will be “lifted up” on the cross. Just as the Israelites were saved by looking at the bronze serpent, so too will people be saved by looking to Jesus in faith.
Verse 16, one of the most famous in the Bible, encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” This verse reveals the depth of God’s love—a love so profound that He gave His only Son to save humanity from perishing. The promise of eternal life is offered to all who believe in Jesus, highlighting the inclusive nature of God’s grace.
Verse 17 clarifies the purpose of Jesus’ coming: “For God didn’t send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.” Jesus’ mission was not to condemn but to offer salvation. His sacrifice on the cross was an act of grace and mercy, aimed at reconciling humanity with God and providing a way for eternal life.
As we reflect on these verses, we are reminded of the incredible love and grace of God. Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate expression of love, and through Him, we are offered the gift of eternal life. Our response to this gift should be one of faith and gratitude, embracing the salvation that Jesus offers and sharing this message with others.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible love and the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We are awed by the depth of Your grace and the promise of eternal life that You offer to all who believe. Help us to embrace this gift with a heart of faith and to live in a way that reflects Your love and mercy. Empower us to share the message of Your salvation with others, so that they too may experience the joy of eternal life through Jesus. In His precious name, Amen.
Application:
- Reflect on the magnitude of God’s love and the gift of eternal life offered through Jesus. How can you live in response to this gift in your daily life?
- Consider ways to share the message of salvation with those around you. How can you communicate the depth of God’s love and the promise of eternal life to others?
- Spend time in prayer, thanking God for His grace and asking for His guidance in living out your faith and sharing His love with the world.
Verse for Meditation:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, WEBBE)
The thing about hope is that it’s a positive force that shines the most when it’s dark. When everything’s going well, we hardly notice it’s there. But when things go against us, when our dreams fade and when we see no immediate reprieve from our troubles, that’s when hope does its best work for us.
"Where Hope Can Be Found"