DAY 6

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

Jesus speaks John 3:16 during a private conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and respected teacher of Israel. Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night, representing both curiosity and caution, seeking understanding about the Kingdom of God. Rather than affirming Nicodemus’s religious credentials, Jesus redirects him to a deeper truth: entry into God’s Kingdom begins not with human effort, but with spiritual rebirth initiated by God Himself.

In this conversation, Jesus reveals the heart of God the Father. God is not responding to human worthiness or achievement; He is acting from love. The Father’s initiative precedes human response. “God so loved the world” speaks to both the depth and direction of His love, which is a love that moves outward toward a broken and fallen creation. This love is not abstract or sentimental; it is demonstrated through giving. The Father gives what is most precious, which is His Son, so that our relationship with Him may be restored.

John 3:16 also places the Father’s love within the larger story of redemption. Just as God provided deliverance for Israel in the wilderness, He now offers eternal life through belief in His Son. The verse reveals a Father who desires communion, not condemnation, and life, not separation. From the beginning, God’s plan has been rooted in love that pursues, rescues, and restores.

For the Church, this passage establishes a foundational truth: God’s work begins with His initiative. We are not striving to reach God; we are responding to a Father who has already moved toward us in love.

Prayer Prompt around being empowered by the Holy Spirit

Father, thank You that You are the One who moves toward me in love. Help me receive Your pursuit without fear or striving, trusting that You see me fully and love me completely. Quiet my heart and teach me to rest in Your care. Empower me by Your Spirit to live as a secure son (or daughter) as You build Your church. Lord, begin to put people on my heart who are unchurched. Burden me for those who do not yet receive the depth of your love or walk in the freedom available through You.

-AMEN-