The Look of Love
Scripture:
“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.”
John 3:16 – NIV
Devotion:
John 3:16 is one of THE most beloved Scriptures in the Bible. After “Jesus wept”, it has to be one of the first scriptures most people learned. As a believer, it IS the first scripture that their heads believed and their hearts depended on. John 3:16 is special because it makes the gospel plain. Jesus was breaking it down for Nicodemus, but He was also talking to those who would come later.
Nicodemus’ encounter with the Christ is recorded in the third chapter of John. The first thing learned is that he is a ruler of the Jews and he came to Jesus by night. There is no explanation as to why. Was it out of the fear, as many believe? Or was it out of expediency, because he felt he could not wait another minute to meet the Man Jesus? Whatever his reason, he came. And this conversation is a witness between the seeking Nicodemus and the loving Savior.
First, he acknowledged that Jesus was from God. He showed that whenever people are given an audience with God, whenever they call on the name of Jesus, they should begin by acknowledging Him as God. Master. Ruler. Savior. Lord. Almighty. He is God and they should always give Him the glory that He is worthy of by acknowledging that He is. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Jesus’ answer to him in verse 3, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” opened up an entire discussion about the Kingdom of God. He told him about being born again. Nicodemus pushed back with questions because he didn’t understand. How can a man who is old be born again? Nicodemus was only able to see in the natural sense. He was not getting it – Jesus was talking about spiritual things.
Jesus came back stronger. How can you be a teacher of Israel and not know these things? Don’t you wonder? There are Christians in every church in the world who do not know these things. Teachers. Preachers. Pastors. Lay persons. They.Do.Not.Know! But He wants the world to know. So He patiently broke it down for Nicodemus. He spoke to him in a language that he understood. And He gazed upon him with a patient, fatherly look of love.
There are different kinds of love, and each one has a different look. But the agape love of God has an unmistakable look, and when you see it, you will know it. He will never cast a pathetic or sad or intolerant look on His people. The apostle Paul wrote, “For I am persuaded – I am convinced, I am certain, I have no doubt – that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the indomitable, unwavering, unbeatable love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38 - 39 – NKJV
That’s why He went to Calvary. That’s why He died. That’s why God raised Him from the dead and gave Him a name that is exalted above every name. That look of love which He will always and forever have towards His people.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that You loved us so much that You gave Your only begotten Son to die in our place. Jesus, thank You that loved us so much that You gave Your life as a sacrifice for our sins. Holy Spirit, thank You that You loved us so much that You have taken up residence in us. Help us to live from a place of gratitude and humility for all that You have done for us. When we look up at You, let it also be with a look of love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection:
As the Resurrection is celebrated, remember all that it cost God to make this gift of love available to the world. Many will reject it. But as believers who have accepted this gift, let’s be sure to tell Him “thank You” for all He has done.