And We Begin

Focus verses: John 3:1-21

The last half of the first chapter of John tells of the calling of some of the disciples. Chapter two recounts the first miracle at Cana and His driving the moneychangers out of the temple.

Chapter three begins where He teaches Nicodemus, the Pharisee, about being born again - that is born of the spirit. And it is in this teaching that we find the verse that new Christians often memorize early in their walk with the Lord.

John 3:16 is a powerful verse. And it is all inclusive. "Whoever" means anyone at any time in any place. You can substitute any person's name in place of "whoever" and "the world" as you read this verse, and it is absolutely true. Try it with your name in place of "whoever" and "the world."

For God so loved me that he gave his one and only Son, that if I believe in him I shall not perish but have eternal life.

Wow! That's powerful. But when you add John 3:17 to it, it becomes even more powerful. It tells you why Jesus was born. His purpose was our salvation. His birth, death and resurrection were designed for our benefit, our eternal good.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn me, but to save me through him.

And the plan is the same whether there are multitudes of people - or only one. If you had been the only person on earth, Jesus would have done it all just for you.

You see, God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. And there is. He created each of us as individuals - no two exactly alike, even identical twins. You are the only you He created. You are His "only child."

Father, God,

We thank You for Your provision for our salvation. We are grateful that Christ was sent to us to redeem us back to fellowship with You. Grant that we may walk ever closer and closer to Your heart.

In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.