Thursday, June 7: John 3:17

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:17 KJV)

God saw a fallen world. A world that needed to be saved. He had sent a great flood once to end the wickedness, only to see the world become festered with sin again.

God decided to send his solution, his Son, into the world as a human to bring his people back to him. God knew that Jesus could relate to us better in human form. He shared our fears, our temptations, our hurts, our pains, our sorrows.

Jesus came to show us a better way to live. He showed us how forgiveness can free us from the burden of sin and hatred. Think of the woman at the well and the prostitute being stoned. He saved them and showed them a better way. God’s way. Not through condemnation, but through forgiveness and the promise of freedom from sin.

Jesus mourns with us when we lose a friend or loved one. Think of Lazarus. “Jesus wept.” Those are very strong and comforting words to know that Jesus shares our human feelings. The Savior of the world wept for the loss of his friend. He then astounded us by raising Lazarus from the dead; thus, showing us that death is not the end, but only the beginning of an everlasting life with our Father in Heaven.

No, Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world. He came to show us the way of God’s truth. The way of believing that God loves us so much, that He sent His Son to willingly die for our sins; past, present and future. God opened the door for us to share in everlasting life with Him by sending His Holy Spirit into our hearts, giving us the way, the truth and the light to believe in His Son and the salvation that He brings.

Amen. Come Lord Jesus.

Sherry Bronner