John 3:14-21, New Revised Standard Version

What does believing in Jesus really mean?  Why did Jesus need to come into the world?

Jesus is coming into the world to introduce a new way of living through his teachings. Jesus is offering an invitation for humanity to be restored to its original state.

For John sin is more concrete and structural rather than individualistic.   John is directing his audience to make a decision beyond romanticizing the idea of talking about loving God.  Taking an action requires a commitment to Jesus’ way of life.  We can’t afford to stay neutral on issues of evil, hate, and injustice.  Neutrality and indecisiveness are not an option.  John invites us to stand against the strong currents that carry society’s brutal and sinful ideologies.

Jesus demands a stance, which requires action!
“And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.  For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”   John 3:14-16

Confronting evil brings light!
“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.  Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.  And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.  For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed.  But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.”   John 3:17-21

 Hear the W.O.W., the Words of Wisdom,
“In the midst of darkness, let’s be light!”