The Great Sending, Chapter 6

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
~ John 3:16

STUDY 6: The Mission of God is Accomplished through Jesus, pp. 70-72

Scripture: John 3:14-21; 8:23-49; 12:32-34; 12:44-50; Galatians 4:4-7; John 4:9-16; Isaiah 52,53

by Reverand Dr. Dean Nadasdy

The third chapter of John begins with Nicodemus coming to Jesus at night. Jesus answers Nicodemus' greeting by saying a person has to be born from above to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). To Nicodemus's question, "How can this be?" Jesus replies that one has to be born of water and Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. In other words, God does the work, not man (John 3:5-8). Nicodemus wants to know how this "birth from God" happens. Jesus begins answering this question with our text (John 3:14-21). It is important to note that Jesus has come down from heaven and has been with the Father (John 3:13).

There are three parts to Jesus's answer of how birth from God happens. First, the Son of Man must be "lifted up" to give eternal life (verses 14-15). Second, the Father's supreme act of love sent his only Son for the purpose of giving eternal life – not to a few but to the world (verses 16-17). And third, those who believe in
Jesus as the Savior of the world are not condemned. They live in the light, not in the darkness, and they act in truth carrying out good works in God (verses 18-21).

The Missio Dei, the mission of God, is clear in this text. God's mission is sending his only Son into the world to save the world so that everyone can have life in Jesus (temporal) and eternal life (in Heaven). (Two Greek verbs are used in John to declare that Jesus is sent by God – pempein used 26 times and apostelle in used 18 times.) God's mission is accomplished through Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension.

John is known for his use of dualistic vocabulary throughout his Gospel, bringing out a point by also pointing out its opposite. For example, consider his uses of "condemned/not condemned," "light/darkness," and "good/evil." This dualistic vocabulary shows us how complete and powerful the work of the Son is. There is no other Savior.

Isaiah foretold of the coming Servant who would suffer and die to heal and save. None of the Old Testament kings, prophets, nor wise people could fulfill Isaiah's prophecy. Only God could send a Savior for Israel and for the world. Jesus is the one who gives his life as a ransom for many.

The mission of God to the world is powerful. It changes the hearts and lives of people. Jesus is sent by the Father to redeem people through his death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus is the "Sent One," the Savior of the world. This is good news! Nothing compares with the news of what God has done in Jesus for man's salvation.

Questions to ponder with
yourself and others

• How is God leading you to live in the light and not in the darkness?
• What activities does your congregation do in God? (See John 3:18-21)
• Jesus is the "Sent One," and He sends us to proclaim His redemption to others. What does this look like in your life and in your congregation?

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