The unfathomable power of John 3:16


 

John 3:16

Without a doubt, the greatest and the most popular text in the Bible is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life”. This text is so powerful and appealing, many people wear it on their bodies as fashion.

Yet, non-Christians and Jesus bashers find this statement troubling. They think it is naive to believe that anyone would allow his or her innocent son to die a violent death for his friends. Frankly, I do not blame them because what Jesus did on the cross at Calvary transcends the human thought process. Furthermore, humans in general like to compare events. but there is no precedent for such a gracious act. It was never done before. Therefore, it is understandable that people with atheistic tendencies have doubts.

Nevertheless, to the true believer, there is nothing dubious about Jesus Christ of Nazareth, dying for sinners. However, many of us have never stopped and think about it. We accept it for what it is. It was a remarkable demonstration of God’s love, which was prompted by His desire to reconcile a condemned people back into the sheep fold.

Still, it was not Jesus’ wish that He died for sinners. He was following orders from God the Father. Jesus was the only man on earth worthy to stand in the gap, but He showed His humanness when the pain and agony became unbearable. He sorts a way out. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, let not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). God the Father denied Jesus’ request because the Scripture must be fulfilled. It was preordained that Jesus should die for the sins of the world (Read Isaiah 53:1-12).

Today, because of one man’s willingness to stand in the gap and endure the agony of a rugged cross, Salvation is full and free. Yet, many of us take it for granted. But make no mistake friends; He that spares not His Son, but delivered Him up for us, will judge and reward us according to our work.

10 comments

  1. You may want to consider this translation when reading Luke 22: 42. From Douay Rheims — Saying: Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done.

    It may seem like a moment of weakness by Jesus but he always submits to God’s will. Jesus understood that He was sent there by the Father to save all of humanity. Since Jesus was human and divine is it possible for His human part or side to have shown weakness? I mean Jesus did take on human qualities. I think since Jesus is God Incarnate it may be impossible for Him to show weakness. It may seem like that to human perception but I doubt Jesus ever didn’t want to fulfill His job that He was sent by God to fulfill, to save all from sin. God Bless.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much for your input Teresa. I agree with most of what you said, but I think Jesus showed weakness on the cross. I think it is reasonable to assume He was overcome by His humanness when he says: “Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done”. Even though, He is God Incarnate, He was also human, and humans tend to quit when the going gets tough. Nevertheless, He was determined to fulfill His Father’s mission.

      God blesses.

      Like

      Reply

  3. A man I work with came to work after a weekend off and he had John 3:16 tattooed on his arm; the entire passage. I am old now and getting to the point where I sometimes feel people need my opinion, so I told him. “Do you realize that you have marked yourself for the Lord, seeing as a tattoo was a symbol of ownership. What will you do and say when someone asks you about it? And do you realize the implications of tattooing that passage on yourself?” He merely said yes and walked away. I wish I could tell you how much I long to talk about the one I love. To talk with the world requires that you bring them up to speed on who Jesus Christ is, for they cannot understand his importance until the day they ask him in. So any form of deep conversation, and that means give and take, tends to come from those that know Him. I know of about ten people work who have claimed, to me, to be Christians. There are only two that I can talk with freely, and they seem to understand.

    I cannot tell you how many times the “Christians” have turned a deaf to me. it breaks my heart. If they turn a deaf ear to me, do they also turn a deaf ear to our Lord? I think so.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face, There to sing forever of His saving grace; On the streets of glory let me lift my voice, Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.

      Thanks so much for your input Ozzie. John 3:16 has become a fashion statement for many, especially since Football star Tim Teabow trade Marked it. But tattooing John 3:16 on one’s body will not help when Jesus returns. The essential thing is to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior and do His will according to Scripture. Anything short of that is a waste. Indeed, John 3:16 is the reason we should heed Jesus’ invitation “take up your cross and follow me”.

      Like

      Reply

  4. Hey Noel,

    Good post! I do not know if it was “weakness” or “sorrow.” For me, I do not think Jesus had “weakness” in anything He did. I do think Jesus was very “sorrowful” and felt very “forsaken” by God, and very “alone” on the Cross.

    When He was in the garden, Jesus showed strength during His agony, by “resisting temptation until He sweated blood.” You think, every temptation of every sin in the world hit Him. Jesus showed great courage in the garden. If only we would do the same when temptation hits us.

    Even though Jesus was “human” He showed us the most important thing, was to do the “Father’s will, at all cost.” Given all He went through, speaks to me a man of strength and how devout He truly was to God. Thanks for sharing and God Bless, SR

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hello S.R! I value your candid opinion tremendously. I agree with every word. Most Christians deny Jesus show weakness on the cross. Of course, He did. He was human. However, He did not waver, and that is the key. Jesus showed us how not to yield to temptation. His sole purpose was to do His father’s will and He did. God blesses.

      Like

      Reply

  5. I tried to explain this to my 8 year old grandson not too long ago. That all he had to remember was that Jesus did that for him. No rules, nothing to follow or do. Just know that one truth, that God loved him that much. It wasn’t easy.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.