March 16, 2014
One of the best known scripture verses in the Bible is from the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” It’s quoted in all sorts of places because it’s a word of hope, love and God’s grace. It’s the gospel (good news) of God all wrapped up in one sentence.
But verse 17 rarely gets its due: “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Humans seem to think/act as if Jesus’ main job was to judge, to make clear what behavior is right and wrong and what will happen if the right behavior is not conducted.
Yet, the Gospel of John makes clear in this verse that Jesus’ main purpose for coming was to save. To save us from separation from God, now and eternally. So if Jesus didn’t come to condemn, why do we? After all, there is great, good news! Jesus came to save. Awesome!
Blessings.
*Scripture quotes from NRSV
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