For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
John 3:17
BSB
Read John 3 in a modern translation BSB
Read the whole chapter (John 3)
To save
After John 3:16, perhaps the best-known verse in the Bible, comes this less familiar one. For Nicodemus, who came to Jesus at night, it may have been a surprise. In some Jewish writings from that time, such as the Psalms of Solomon, the Messiah is expected to bring judgment on the pagan overlords and on the sinners in Israel.
In this passage it isn't certain where the words of Jesus give way to those of the Gospel writer. God did not send his Son to settle accounts with the world, but to bring it back. Jesus came first of all to save.
Question for today
Do I see God more as a judge or as a saviour?
Prayer
Father, thank you for sending your Son to save, not to settle accounts. Take away my fear of your judgment. Amen.
One of the 325 words of Jesus on this site, from the temple to Revelation. See all the words in order →