John 3:16

Is there a more beloved Scriptural passage than John 3:16? Throughout church history, there has not been a more quoted or preached upon verse than this one. It is that special text concerning God’s love for the world and the eternal life that is found in the person of Jesus Christ. The richness of this special life-changing verse is seen in Jesus’ dialogue and instruction to the Pharisee Nicodemus. Christ’s teaching in this passage demonstrates that Nicodemus was living a life devoid of the power of the Holy Spirit, and attempted, in outward religious acts, to please God by his perceived good works. Jesus’ instruction cures Nicodemus from his man-centered religious views, and brings the Pharisee back to the meaning of the Old Testament, and God’s plan of redemption. Being faithful to the text, McMahon considers this most important verse in its complete context of John 2:23-3:21.