Friday | Week 2
For ____ so loved the_____ that He gave His one and only_____ that whoever believes in him shall not _____ but have_____life. (John 3:16)
Preschoolers can recite it. Football fans paint it boldly across cardboard signs. Former football player Tim Tebow even had it boldly inscribed in the eye black players often wear. It’s brief enough to write on a napkin or memorize in moment, yet solid enough to withstand 2000 years of storms and questions. It begins with God, ends with life, and urges us to do the same! 1
In this one verse, we see the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ and it points straight to you. It tells us exactly why the Father sent His only beloved Son:
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
The world in this verse does not refer to soil and springs and sand and seas. It refers to people. ALL PEOPLE! That means, if you have the guts to do it, you get to stand before this glorious plan, behold, and say, “For God so loved me that He gave His only begotten Son.” 2
He knew your name before creation. He knew all your life would entail. He knew both strands of your DNA by heart. He appointed the color of your eyes and the prints of your fingers. He chose the generation in which you would live and planted you in an exact spot on the planet to initiate divine purpose (Acts 17:26–27). He enacted a plan of epic proportions that would include you. His Son took on flesh for all human-kind, yes. But that includes you. He gave His life for you. He rose from the dead for you. He sits at the right hand of God to intercede for you. He sent His promised Holy Spirit to seal, sanctify, thrill, and fill you. 3
I can’t help but want to sing and shout and dance from a place of complete humility, gratitude and hope when I attempt to comprehend God’s love for you, me and all of humanity. What about you? Ponder the words of John 3:16...an invitation and a promise.
1 | Max Lucado, 3:16 The Numbers of Hope (Tennessee: Nashville, Thomas Nelson Publishing, 2007), p.6.
2 | Beth Moore “Jesus Changes Everything: Shameless,” Bible Studies for Life, December 11, 2017
3 | Beth Moore “Jesus Changes Everything: Shameless,” Bible Studies for Life, December 11, 2017