Lent #12

““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.” (John 3:17, NRSV)

We need all kinds of friends, from those who support us to those who hold us accountable. Sometimes we need "yes" friends and other times we need "truth-tellers" regardless how it affects our feelings. 

As a friend, Jesus is a truth teller. At times he comes across as rude but he gets to the point, and for our own benefit! 

In the story of Jesus and Nicodemus, found in John 3, Jesus is downright blunt with this curious rabbi and offers a bit of revelation into this God-human relationship. In fact he's saying it is more intimate than previously believed and practiced. God would rather save the world than condemn it, and that in itself reveals some important differences.

If God is only interested in condemning the world it reflects a passive role. God, then, only reacts to the circumstances He's presented and decides accordingly. It's a judges role.

But Jesus reveals that He came so "that the world might be saved through him." This reflects a very active role in the world and as Jesus implies earlier in the story, that it's very personal as well; that God cares about us as individuals and what happens to us, with us. 

Yes, Jesus' work is about changing something and that something is us and how we relate to God, and as our friend is ready to tell us the truths that you and I need to hear. 

Today, consider what Jesus might be saying to you today, what truth you need to hear. And remember he's doing it not to judge you, but to save you, to help you. 

He's that kind of friend!

Peace ><>

Pastor Chris