God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him might not perish
but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,
but whoever does not believe has already been condemned,
because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:16-18)
Backgrounder
In a late night conversation Jesus sums up the message which the whole world needs to know. He is speaking with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and leader of the Jews. Nicodemus probably came at night because he is afraid that other leaders would look down on him or even expel him if he went to Jesus. Something is stirring in his heart when he thinks about Jesus; he acknowledges that Jesus must be sent from God. Perhaps it is the Holy Spirit starting to work in his heart, who leads him to the mysterious encounter.
Jesus astonishes Nicodemus by stating that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. The Pharisee asks how this could be possible, and Jesus tells him that there will be a new spiritual re-birth which is given with water and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is talking about the gift of baptism, which his followers will offer to the world after the day of Pentecost.
But why are we to be born again? John 3:16 tells us first, that all of this is to happen because God loves the world, he loves us. Further, God’s love goes to the limit and beyond, as he gives us his only Son, so that by believing in him we may have eternal life. The message, the news of the saving death and resurrection of Jesus, is the Gospel.
The Jesus goes on to explain that God wills the salvation of the world, not its condemnation. Yet salvation is based on faith in Jesus. Belief in Jesus, entrusting our whole lives to him is the only way to heaven.
Even today we can be grateful that Jesus not only shares the Gospel message with Nicodemus, he accomplishes it. This is the living love of God in action. May our gratitude lead us to embrace the Gospel, and to dedicate ourselves to sharing this message of hope with others.