(Read John 3)
My wife and I attended a celebration of the life of a very dear friend last week. She is the mother of one of our close friends, who is an instrumental partner in our life group. It was a beautiful tribute to an even more beautiful soul and sister in Christ. There was laughter, crying, and stories. Towards the end of the service, I could see the light of an active cell phone from a woman on my right. (L) is another very good friend of our life group. I think it was lit twice during the ceremony. The last time I noticed it, it took everything I had to refrain. I was a hair fiber away from joking, “Put that thing away.” How could she be so insensitive to everyone else? How could she be so disrespectful? I didn’t say anything?
After the family shared some emotional tributes about their beloved departed, (L) got up with her phone and went to the podium. She presented a heartfelt testimonial to our friend. I thought to myself, “I shouldn’t just assume that what someone does or doesn’t do is any reflection on them, and I’m not God; I don’t know what’s in someone’s heart.” I was so glad I didn’t say anything. (L) did an excellent job capturing the essence and faith of our friend in Heaven, but it wasn’t her alone; there more was behind the scenes.
A few days later, on Christmas Eve, many of the group sat together, worshipping God in praise with music. We sang the familiar songs Churches sing on Christmas Eve. The message from our Pastor was spot on — powerful and perfect, like God’s word. What was most noteworthy was the music. I absolutely love contemporary Christian anthems. Hillsong, Elevation, Passion, Phil Wickham, and King and Country are among my favorite performers on my Spotify playlist. But on Christmas, I also resonate with the traditional Hymns, some written centuries ago. The music that night respected the original songs with a slight twist. It was a meaningful blend. Silent Night was the last song. It began with drums, guitars, and bass and ended with a cappella. All I could hear were the angelic voices of 600+ angels singing in unison, giving God tribute for the birth of His son, for His glory.
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
2 The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord
10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.
Isaiah 11:1-2;10
The Hebrew word for “root” (sheresh) conveys the concept of a living root that remains vital and capable of producing new growth, such as a shoot or branch, meaning that the root of Jesse is not merely a remnant but a source of life from which future descendants could emerge. Isaiah 11:1-2 and 11:10 describe the coming of a Messiah, a leader from the lineage of Jesse (King David’s father), who will bring peace, wisdom, and justice to the world. In verse 10, the prophecy expands to include all nations. The Messiah will signal hope for Israel and the world as a whole, drawing people from every nation to seek God and experience His peace and justice. These verses highlight Christ’s universal and eternal reign, the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore His people, and bring salvation to all.
In a sermon several years ago, Tim Keller asked, “How could someone both be a descendant of David and Jesse and simultaneously the source of David and Jesse? And there’s only one answer, …as crazy as it is, especially in the eyes of the world. And that is that God, the creator God, who is the root of all of us, who’s the source of all of us, that creator God was born into the world as a weak human being, and He came as a descendant of David. So he’s the God-man. Jesus Christ is the God-man. Now this is the miracle right there of Christmas, but it’s also an explanation of why Christmas is so category breaking for the world.”
Keller articulated a division that occurred in the Christian faith about 100 years ago. He said many believed the world’s thinking and were comfortable with scientific explanations for everything. They put all their trust in the world’s wisdom, ethics, and natural causes but left out miracles like the virgin birth and bodily resurrection. These churches are declining now, while churches embracing the unexplainable miracles of God’s word in the states and in places such as China and Africa are exploding. Where’s the glory in worship that ends with human service and community outreach but leaves out the majesty of God? Where’s the faith in a religious concept that chooses items of the Bible a la carte only because it fits modern-world thinking?
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
This passage is known to almost everyone. It is quoted on television and in movies, and it is even displayed as eye-black on some athletes’ faces during competitions. The Scripture in John 3 was part of a serious conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish leader. This verse encapsulates the heart of the gospel message: God’s love, sacrifice, and offer of salvation, but it’s not all of the Christian message. Jesus said so much more to Nicodemus than just this verse. Nicodemus wasn’t looking to Jesus for eternal life, and throughout their conversation, Jesus painted a true-life portrait of what belief in Christ really looks like. Belief in the Son of Man isn’t only about getting eternal life. That would be a little bit like, “What’s in it for me?”
John 3:16 does not sum up the whole Gospel, much like being a Christian isn’t only about how much money we give, how often we attend church, or how nice we are to people.
I think it’s absolutely awesome when I see stickers or billboards for John 3:16 or hear people quote it. And yes, God does get the glory, but it’s only part of the story and part of the glory. When it’s only about us receiving eternal life, then we’re missing out on what was behind God’s sacrifice, what was behind God sending his son Jesus to die for us for our sins, for our sinful place. The passage illustrates God’s grace but doesn’t fully explain it.
My wife’s cousin experienced a horrific fall about six weeks ago. She wasn’t allowed to move her arms for the first five to seven days. Her husband had to do everything for her, including wiping her nose. Eventually, she has gotten to the point of getting around. She can finally receive PT and can move her arms as long as what she’s lifting isn’t heavier than a coffee cup. I mentioned to her that with my ADD, 6 minutes feels like 6 weeks. I would go crazy. She said she is the same way, but somehow, “God gave me amazing peace. That’s the only way I can explain it. To God be the glory.”
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
John 3:17-18
These verses build on the famous John 3:16, giving it context and expanding on Jesus’ mission and our choices in responding to Him. Jesus’ mission highlights God’s deep love and desire for reconciliation. He offers salvation, not condemnation, as the primary purpose of His coming. Here, we’re offered Salvation as a gift, but it requires a response. Belief in Jesus brings life, while rejection brings judgment. These verses remind us that faith in Jesus is not just an option but a critical decision.
Embracing Christ requires embracing what was written about Him. This includes His divinity, grace, and word. Believe in what He can do for us because He said so. When something miraculous happens, we usually recognize the person who made it happen. Whether surgeons, athletes, or the right person at the right time. Giving people glory is fine as long as we recognize who’s behind that event.
I’m in the middle of a stay-cation now and am taking care of a page full of items on the list. One was moving switches from the garage to inside the house. I’ve done plenty of electrical work, but this job wasn’t working out. I had to pigtail the wires, which took me hours. My buddy (D) came over late in the evening to put on the finishing touches. I prayed to God that it would work after it was connected. I prayed that I had followed the previous wiring schematics properly. After I flipped the breaker back on, (D) said, “We’re good!” I thanked him over and over again. After my praise, I thought to myself, (D)’s hands made this happen, but God orchestrated it.
It’s God and God’s glory that should be recognized. So what happens when the glory of our spouse, of our children, of our grandchildren, of our friends, of our medical providers, or the heroes in life fades? We are left with nothing. But God’s glory never fades. In John 3:16, Jesus promises us eternal life and so much more! I love the hope from God, “So loving the world.” It points me to Jesus as my friend, brother, father, and the only rightful recipient of all Glory.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:18
Key Applications:
- Recognize and thank God for His love and sending Jesus to save, not condemn. Share this good news with others who may feel unworthy of God’s grace.
- Salvation is not earned through good deeds but through belief in Jesus. This truth frees us from striving and renews our focus on trusting God.
- Share the hope of salvation with those who don’t believe, emphasizing God’s desire to save rather than judge.