John 3:16-21 – “What love is willing to do.”

Today’s Message…

God loves His people. He demonstrated His love by sending His Son to Die. The Son loves the Father and so was willing to suffer in our stead.

Jesus did not wrestle His angry Father to the ground and snatch the whip out of His hand. Likewise, God did not force His Son to be merciful to humanity.

What Jesus did when He suffered and died was His Father’s idea. Yet Jesus was willing to die. The crucifixion was God’s idea and Jesus was a willing offering. Why?

Because God loves those He has made and called to be with Him. Why is this so hard to believe? Why do we struggle to believe that God loves us this much?

The answer is shocking. We actually prefer darkness. Like a guilty lover who can no longer look her husband in the eye, we prefer to hide in the darkness. Like a guilty lover, we cannot tolerate the love and affection which we know we do not deserve.

Men love darkness. Not because the darkness is pretty. It isnt. Those who live in darkness spend their lives looking over their shoulder. They spend their lives in anxious mistrust and fear. And in the darkness man is lead away to destruction.

Men love darkness because their deeds are evil. We know our deeds are evil, but the only place we imagine we will find relief from our guilt is under cover of darkness. It doesnt work.

To those who come out form the cover of darkness God offers eternal life. A New Life. A guarantee of starting over.

The reason why God forgives your sin is because, while you are enslaved to sin you are not living. The reason why God wants you to forgive the sins of others committed against you is because, while you are living with guilt, shame and bitterness towards others, you are not living.

And since God loves you, He wants you to live. He wanted these things for you so much that He was prepared to send another man, in your place, to die.

Lesson for Little Saints

1. Why did Jesus come to die?

2. Why do people find God’s love so hard to accept?

3. Who’s idea was Jesus’ death on the cross?

4. What does God promise to those who trust in His Son?