- John 3:16-18
John 3:16. We have all seen this verse written on signs at sporting events or other public occasions. It is seen so often that it has become part of our culture to the point where if someone says John 3:16 it brings with certain associations – someone who is a faithful Christian and devoted to what they believe. But how many of us actually know what that verse says? Today’s Gospel gives us the opportunity to find out.
This famous verse contains two statements. This first tells us about God’s great love for us. We are all children of God and, just as a father loves his children, God loves each of us. It is an unconditional love that knows no boundaries. God loves us so much that He sent us His Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for our sake. This is a kind of love that we simply cannot imagine. Most of us would do anything for our children or family. How many of us would be willing to let one child suffer for the sake of the others. This is the level of love that God has for us.
But the second part of this verse helps to make since of the first part. Jesus is not being sent to suffer for us. Rather, He is being sent so that might have eternal life. In the end, because of the love of the Father and the sacrifice of Jesus, we will be able to live with God forever. Again we see God’s love for us – a love that is so great He wants to be with us forever. God could not bear the thought of His children suffering for all eternity, so He came down Himself and took the punishment so that we might enjoy life in the Kingdom.
The passage continues with words of hope for each of us. As long as we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we will be saved. Could it really be that simple? Yes, but that simplicity does come with a caveat – if we truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God, than that belief will totally reshape our lives. We will do everything we can to radically transform our lives to mirror that of Christ. We will love everyone completely and go out of our way to serve all those around us. As we read in the Letter of St. James: “So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (2:17). So our faith is shown through the way we live our lives. It is by living out a life of radical discipleship – caring for all of God’s children – that our faith is revealed. If we do all this, we can be assured we will reach our ultimate reward.