John: For God So Loved the World

John 3:16-36

Benjamin Franklin and English evangelist George Whitefield were acquaintances who regularly exchanged correspondence. Franklin was not a believer but admired Whitefield's efforts in raising money for orphanages. In a letter from Whitefield, the evangelist commented on Franklin’s popularity. Whitefield wrote: 

I find that you grow more and more famous in the learned world, as you have made such progress in investigating the mysteries of electricity, I now humbly urge you to give diligent heed to the mystery of the new birth. It is a most important and interesting study and, when mastered, will richly repay you for your pains.[1]

The new birth we’ve been exploring in the gospel of John is truly an “interesting study” that offers eternal rewards. We continue that study today, beginning with one of the most well-known passages in the Bible. 

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 

Are these Jesus’ words or John’s commentary on Jesus’ words? This is a debate among many scholars. The translation team of the ESV Bible considers these to be the words of Jesus, and I will follow their lead. Let’s break down this gospel summary.

For God so loved the world…
The NET Bible explains that the Greek word translated “so” (outos) can mean the extent to which God loved the world or the manner in which God loved the world. This could be translated, “For this is the way” or “this is how much” or “in this way.” It is most likely that John is communicating both—the extent and the manner in which God loved the world. They conclude, “This is in keeping with John’s style of using double entendre or double meaning. Thus, the focus of the Greek construction here is on the nature of God’s love, addressing its mode, intensity, and extent.”[2]

… that he gave his only Son…
The word “gave” (didomi) includes the entire work of Jesus, God’s “only,” that is, “one of a kind” Son. This includes the incarnation, the cross, and the resurrection. Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is unique. There is no one like him. He is certainly “one of a kind.”[3]

… that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
The word “believes” (pisteuon) involves much more than just an intellectual agreement, like saying, “I believe there is a God.” Belief requires knowledge, agreement, and trust. This means a person acknowledges that Jesus died for their sins on the cross and, therefore, commits to a life of following Jesus. 

The person who wholeheartedly trusts in Jesus will not perish. This does not mean annihilation or ceasing to exist, but refers to spending eternity separated from God in punishment. The one who trusts in Jesus will have eternal life—in heaven with Jesus forever. 

The Father sent his “one of a kind” Son on a mission to save humanity from sin and death (John 3:17). Those who believe in Jesus are declared “not guilty” of their sin (John 3:18, Rom. 8:1). But those who do not believe carry the guilt of their sin with them. 

The verdict is this: Jesus, “the light,” has come into the world to reveal our sinful state and make the way to God. The person who “comes to the light” will demonstrate their faith through their works. Those who continue living in darkness will show their choice by their deeds (John 3:18-21). 

I believe John 3:19 is one of the saddest passages in Scripture: “the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light.” God loves us so much that he sent his “one of a kind” Son to pay the penalty for our sins. And yet… many ignore God's amazing sacrificial love because they prefer to live in darkness and be their own gods. As long as people continue discussing philosophical and theological issues instead of focusing on Jesus, they remain in their darkness. That’s what happened with some of John the Baptist’s disciples. 

After talking with Nicodemus, Jesus and his disciples remained in the area and baptized those who wanted to follow Jesus. John was baptizing nearby, in Aenon near Salim (John 3:22-24). While there, a fellow Jew and John’s disciples discussed a Jewish ritual. This conversation caused them to doubt Jesus’ ministry, so they told John, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him” (John 3:26). 

Reaffirming his life’s purpose, John the Baptist replied to his disciples: 

John 3:27-30
“A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.”

The apostle John further explains that Jesus came from heaven and “is above all.” Whoever believes in Jesus “has eternal life.” He clarifies: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:31-36). 

Let’s conclude by reflecting on this powerful statement from John the Baptist: “Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” John’s joy wasn’t driven by emotion; it was a result of his mission. He came to prepare the way for Jesus, introduce Jesus to the world, and proclaim Jesus’ purpose. Remember, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). John’s joy was complete because his mission had been fulfilled. 

John the Baptist enjoyed a fruitful ministry; however, notice how he shifted the focus to Jesus. He said that Jesus must increase. All eyes should be on Jesus, and everyone should follow him. With John’s mission complete, he would decrease. John had been in the spotlight. Now he turns the spotlight onto Jesus. 

What a powerful example for all of us! May John’s mantra be ours as well: Jesus must increase; I must decrease. I have plenty of room to grow in that area. How about you? 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on the gospel summary of John 3:16-21 and the humility demonstrated by John the Baptist in John 3:22-30. Observe how, throughout the rest of chapter 3, the gospel writer affirms who Jesus is.

Talking to God: Ask him to reveal whose kingdom you are building—yours or Jesus’? Is your life mainly centered on yourself? 

Have Questions?
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Know Jesus more intimately.
Love Jesus more passionately.
Follow Jesus wholeheartedly.