John 3:16-17

¹⁶ 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. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

In a modern society, a tech- advanced era, it seems easier than ever to ignore Jesus. We are made to believe that every problem and circumstance can be fixed quickly with the aid of others or things. We have Google readily available at the touch of a button. We have Siri and Alexa ready with a spoken word. But in that same thought God is always there, ready and eager to be called on. How many more times a day do we use google and our devices than Him? How many more times do we call on our phones than we call on Him?

No, He will not send down answers for the square root of pi or answer the question, “Does this look normal?” Thank you, Doctor Google. And He probably will not be helping with your kid’s homework because it’s been a minute since you were in algebra. But this verse reminds us of the unconditional love He has for the world. The amazing love He has so freely given to all who will accept Him. That God sent His only Son to make the ultimate sacrifice not to bring condemnation, but so we can have eternal life. Isn’t God so good?!

If you don’t know John chapter 3, it is Jesus teaching the pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council, Nicodemus. He comes to Jesus in the night, acknowledging Him being God sent because of miracles He performs. Jesus tells him the only way to the Father is to be born again, which causes some confusion for Nicodemus. Jesus then tells Nicodemus that one must be born of water and spirit. A spiritual rebirth rather than a physical birth. One of the most quoted scriptures in the Bible is John 3:16. Christian or otherwise, most people can tell you that verse. But I feel like most people stop here; they don’t read on.

John 3:18-21

¹⁸ 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. ¹⁹ This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. ²¹ But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

Verse 18 assures believers of the promise of salvation, Then, on the other hand starkly reminds those who reject Jesus’ name of the condemnation they already have on them. Human nature to turn away from light due to our sinful tendencies is then illuminated in the next few verses. A verdict like in the court room is put on mankind. Those that do evil hate light for the fear of their deeds being exposed in the light. The rest of the chapter John the Baptist is displaying humility while he testifies about Jesus. Explaining he is a forerunner to the Messiah, and the need to decrease ourselves so He can increase.

How can we possibly decrease ourselves so He can increase? This principle means we need to step back and allow Jesus to be the center. This involves setting aside our egos, and desires for the glory of God. Putting our ambitions to the side in submission to Gods will. We have to create space and allow God to move through us all the time, not just on Sundays, so He can be glorified not only in our lives but in those around us.

By doing this, we allow Jesus to be shown through us. Others will be drawn to know Him too, through our words, actions, humility, and servitude.
This requires us to be intentional. If you want progress, then you need to be intentional about the work you are doing every day. Our work here on earth is pointing others to God and away from ourselves, striving to live a life full of love and compassion, adopting servanthood as our motto.

My prayer for today

Lord Jesus, only you are worthy. I pray that you help me hunger for you Lord. I need help focusing on your increase alone. I pray for the heart of a servant and John the Baptists humility as I understand only you are worthy to be exalted. I pray that I be intentional on creating space for you to be lifted up and glorified in all that I do Jesus. So, I can point those around me into your kingdom. Amen.

Put into practice

John the Baptist was a mentor who guided others to Jesus without seeking personal benefit or recognition. He put Gods will and others above his own. Our families need us to be humble leaders seeking intentional impact. Are you ready to let go of yourself and make room for more of God? Are you ready for the heart of a servant without seeking recognition of your own self? Practice makes progress. Let Go and Let God. He already paid it all.