February 27, 2023

"God Loved the World" | Second Sunday in Lent

14 minutes

ELW 323 - God Loved the World // ʀᴏᴄᴋɪɴɢʜᴀᴍ ᴏʟᴅ

ZACHARY'S NOTES:

Stanza 1 // This is John 3:16, but with a twist! God loved the world - so that he gave! We have no part in God’s decision. God’s love leads to divine action in Jesus Christ, that the lost might be found and have eternal life.

Stanza 2 // This stanza tells more about God’s “only Son.” Christ was given [made flesh] to suffer death. Those who confide - that is, trust - in Christ alone, build on what His death and resurrection have accomplished: everlasting life.

Stanza 3 // Here, we are told how and where to use this well-known passage of Scripture. When we “are ill, when death draws near” the truth of Christ’s suffering/God’s giving of His Son rescues us from death. Faith in Christ is not something to simply quote - we cling to Christ for life in the midst of death.

Stanza 4 // Baptism appears to recieve a random shoutout in this stanza, but it links directly with the first portion of this weekend’s Gospel text. The everlasting life of Christ we sing about in stanza one is given in the waters of Baptism, where we are born again of water and the Holy Spirit, forgiven and justified in God’s sight.

Stanza 5 // Though this might appear a somewhat generic Trinitarian stanza, it is an acknowledgement of the Trinity at work in this portion of Scripture. “God” [the Father] loved the world; the “Son” [Christ Jesus] was given, and the “Spirit” [in baptism] brings us the life our Lord promises. John 3:16 is God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - at work for you! Such goodness means we sing forever - eternally - around the throne of the Lamb.

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