God’s Love for the World

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
-John 3:16-17

“How much do you love me?”  This question is often heard by parents of small children.  It is a plea for understanding of where the child fits in the world.  It is a desire to know that they are wanted and will be protected and cared for.  It is an essential need for all humans, whatever age we are, to know that we are loved and have a place in the world.  When Nicodemus visited Jesus in John 3, he asked Jesus how he was able to do the miraculous things he had done?  Jesus told him that he needed to be born again.  This made Nicodemus even more confused!  Jesus was explaining the need for spiritual rebirth, not physical.  God’s love is beyond even our understanding of the physical world.

When Jesus taught Nicodemus that God loved the whole world, this was just as surprising as the idea of being born again!  The Hebrew people had an understanding that they were the chosen people – God’s children in the world.  Jesus came to remind them that God’s love was not only for the chosen few, but for all the world.  The big questions we ask in this life are usually connected to identity, belonging and purpose.  Who am I?  Where do I fit?  What difference can I make?  These are the real questions Nicodemus was asking.  Jesus answered with a response that God’s love is for the whole world.

Who are we?  We are God’s beloved children.  Where do we fit?  In relationship with God and each other.  What difference can we make? We can share this gospel message with others so that they know they are included in God’s love, grace, forgiveness and family.  We can give them the gift of relationship with God and eternal life.

Lord, You call us to leave our old ways behind, but we like our comfortable lives.
You call us to go where you will show us but we want the map and directions before we leave.
You call us to be a blessing to all but often we want to keep the blessing for ourselves.
Help us to hear your voice and to let go of what holds us back. Forgive us for our sins.
Lead us, Lord, to walk your way on any road we travel.