John 3:16 is often called the Gospel in one sentence. It comes from a night conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a respected teacher of Israel who came to ask questions. Reading the verse with the conversation around it makes it even richer.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
King James Version
Phrase by phrase
- God so loved: love is the starting point. Salvation begins in the heart of God, not in our efforts.
- The world: not one people only, but all humanity, including those far from God.
- He gave his only Son: love is shown by a gift, and the gift is costly.
- Whoever believes: the door is open to every person who trusts Jesus.
- Eternal life: not only life after death, but a new relationship with God that begins now.
Verse 17: not to condemn
Jesus adds that God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but to save it. The message of John 3 is good news before it is a warning.
Questions for a small group
- Which word of the verse touches you most, and why?
- Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus at night (John 3:2)?
- How can our church show this love to its neighbourhood?
Read the whole conversation in John 3.
