Jesus, God's Offer of Salvation for Humanity

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 19, 2024 | John 3:14-18

KEY VERSE:

¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-5 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

The discussion between the Lord Jesus and Nicodemus reaches a climax when the Lord introduces the central factor of the new birth, Christ and Him crucified. The Lord was always aware of His mission, from start to finish. He had come to offer Himself as the appropriate and acceptable ultimate sacrifice for human sin. The new birth of individuals was going to be possible because the Son of God, God in human form, would be crucified on a cruel rugged cross, and when the message of His death, its cause and its power is proclaimed, further lifting Him up, He through that water of preaching, and by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit (water and Spirit), will draw people (of all races, languages, nationalities, situations in life, etc.) to Himself.

The Lord links His statement of His mission as indicated to the history of Israel in which those bitten by venomous snakes in the wilderness looked to a bronze image of the snake lifted on a pole and were healed. On the cross, the holy sinless Son of God became the embodiment of sin as He carried the sin of the whole world upon Himself. This was so true to the extent that He was forsaken of the Father (God abhorred Himself for the ugliness of human sin).

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Have you been to Calvary to look upon the crucified Son of God, and in faith to agree that He was crucified in your place? If so, you have eternal life. If you have not trusted Jesus as your Saviour, you have an opportunity of a lifetime to do so, now. He’s coming back, not as a Saviour but as the judge. Get in His good books by settling your responsibility and opportunity to believe. Look and live, look and live!

PRAYER:

Sinless Lamb of God upon the cross, thank you that you died for me and in my place, and rose again from the dead. I believe in you. Please help me to live for you who died for me. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: LIFTED UP

In John 3:14-15 (NIV), the phrase "lifted up" is translated from the Greek word "ὑψοῦντα" (hypsōnta), which means to elevate or exalt. This phrase refers to Jesus being lifted up on the cross for the salvation of humanity. It carries the idea of Jesus' crucifixion, where He would bear the sins of the world and provide redemption for all who believe in Him.

This concept of being "lifted up" is also found in other biblical passages, such as:

1. John 12:32 (NIV): "But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." Here, Jesus speaks of His crucifixion and the universal invitation to salvation through His sacrifice.
   

2. Philippians 2:8-9 (NIV): "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." This passage highlights the exaltation of Jesus following His sacrificial death on the cross.
   

The phrase "lifted up" in John 3:14-15 emphasizes the act of love and sacrifice demonstrated by Jesus on the cross. It symbolizes His victory over sin and death, as well as His role as the Savior of humanity.

Reflections

How does the concept of Jesus being "lifted up" on the cross impact your understanding of salvation and your relationship with Him? How does His exaltation inspire you to live a life of faith and obedience?