Lent is a season of reflecting on the cross and remembering the resurrection. Millions of followers of Jesus around the world consider this an important season that climaxes with Good Friday and Easter. It’s been almost 2000 years since the original events of Christ’s death and resurrection, and somehow, the cross is still relevant today. Why?
John 3:16 is perhaps one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. It reads, “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.” This verse succinctly summarizes the gospel message and is a powerful reminder of God’s love for us.
The first part of the verse, “For God so loved the world,” emphasizes the magnitude of God’s love. It also points to the fact that this love is not just for a select few, but for the entire world. No matter who you are or what you’ve done, God loves you.
The second part of the verse, “that he gave his one and only Son,” highlights the sacrificial nature of God’s love. He didn’t just say he loved us, he showed it through his actions. He sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. This was the ultimate act of love and the ultimate sacrifice.
The final part of the verse, “that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life,” is an invitation. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, he promises both abundant life and eternal life. We will not perish but have life. This is a promise from God to us. Simply believe and receive His grace, love, and life.
John 3:16 is a powerful reminder of God’s unconditional love and the incredible sacrifice he made for us. It points us to the cross. The cross is where God met people in the most unbelievable way. Whether you observe Lent or not, let the message of the cross remind you of God’s sacrificial love for you, your family, your children, and your future generations. His love on the cross was, is, and will be relevant for ages to come.