God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

 

You may have heard the most popular verse in the Bible.  But do you know the one that comes after it?

Of all the verses in the Bible, one is best known in every country.[1] “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” says John chapter 3, verse 16 (NIV). But the verse that comes right after John 3:16 is John 3:17, and this is what it says: “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).

Jesus’s Name means “savior.” The religious leaders of Jesus’s day were looking for a savior, but not one like Jesus. They expected a savior who would judge those who didn’t follow the religious law—they certainly judged others. Maybe you’ve thought that that’s what religion is all about—catching you in your sin and judging you for it.

Jesus did get angry over sin, but his anger was directed at those who said they belonged to God but led others away from Him (John 8:21). One day, scripture says, Jesus will come to earth again to judge (John 5:26-29). But today, Jesus says, “I have come to call…those who know they are sinners and need to repent” (John 5:32 excerpted).

Do you feel the need to be washed clean? Do you long for a new life? Jesus welcomes you to come to Him for forgiveness and wholeness. He said He “came to seek and to save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus’s arms are open for those who know they need them.

[1] “Most Popular Bible Verse in the World: World Vision UK.” Most Popular Bible Verse in the World | World Vision UK, www.worldvision.org.uk/about/blogs/most-popular-bible-verses-in-every-country/. Accessed 12 Nov. 2023.