Do you know what the most important lesson in the Bible is?

You know, when reading through the Bible, there's just one important lesson that is taught and we all need to know. It's a pretty famous verse from John 3:16. “So this is how God loved the world. He gave his one and only son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

This text is likely the most recognizable text in the Bible. If not in the English language, you will see it in the end zone at most football games and just behind the catcher or on the baseline at a baseball game. It will be just behind the backboard at a basketball game along the racetrack at an automobile race. It will be held high in a town parade by churches and individuals alike. Why? Well, because in it we find the most important lesson that there is. God loved us so much that he sent his son Jesus to perish in our place.

This is the gospel message in one simple sentence. Of all the things that we learn in life, it is this message that is the most important. A great way to remember the impact of this scripture is to read the verse replacing the world and everyone with our first names and then the names of those around us. So if you were to try that, it would sound something like this. “This is how God loved William. He gave his one and only son so that Marie, Wendy, Margaret, Paul, Wayne, Roy, Diane, Christina, Christy, Andy, Miguel, Ross, Michelle, Ben, Dustin, Angela, Roger, Sarah, and so on. But they will all not perish, but will have eternal life.” Do this often and we will all know the greatest lesson.

So let me just by end with a prayer for us today. Father, you loved us so much that you sent your son to pay for our sins. He took our place, perishing for us so we may have eternal life. You did this for each of us personally. Teach me to be grateful for it and to pass it on. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.