Many Christians know the famous words of John 3:16. But when did Jesus speak them? And why? And to whom? This message teaches that powerful verse in the context of the powerful verses around it, remaining us of the new life that only the born again can find.

Within one verse in John 2, Jesus turns from wine maker to church destroyer. Raging, flipping over tables, and whipping animals, a furious Jesus turns the church upside down...or order to keep the Church right side up. In an age when greed, sin, secrecy, and scandal have driven people away from church, Jesus is passionate about protecting the places where his resurrection is proclaimed.

Jesus’ first ever miracle was making 150 gallons of alcohol! Turning water into wine was not only proof of Jesus’ identity as God, but also a reminder that God’s great goal for our lives is joy, to celebrate in his presence by the miraculous work of his Son, Jesus.

How can an imperfect person fall asleep without guilt? How can the abused live without shame? How can a sinner end up in the presence of God? The Bible’s answer—a lamb. A spotless substitute, accepted by God’s own design. This is what John the Baptist’s followers would have thought when he pointed to Jesus and shouted, “Look! The Lamb of God!”

Was Jesus a good man? A wise teacher? A religious guide? A prophet? A god? Jesus’ best friend answers that question in the opening words of his biography. Jesus was the Word, both with God and himself God. Jesus is the way God communicates with us, showing us the darkness of life without him and the bright light of trusting in him.

Jesus faced the horror of his friends’ death/grief with a powerful hope with the reminder that he was the resurrection and the life. In a world where we all are dying every day (and trying to ignore it), Jesus’ own resurrection is proof that he is our Savior and our true source of Life!

Thirsty, pierced, dead. Jesus walked straight into death so that we would not have to face death alone.

Broken to Bind Believers in Blessed Communion (John 19:25-27)… If you have ever felt alone in this world, ever been surrounded by adversaries, ever abandoned by friends, or ever faced the loss of your dearest loved one, then, know that in Christ on this night, you are never truly alone. Jesus was broken for us as is evidenced for us in his gift to us of Holy Communion - all so that we might be bound to the family of God, to Christ Himself, and enjoy blessed communion with God and all His children in every hour and forever.

Why doesn’t God just take his kids out of this broken world? Answer: Because God wants more people to believe and be saved. This is how Jesus closed his epic prayer, a fact that reminds every Christian of the incredible calling we have to share our Savior with the world.

Stripped, crucified, and stuck between two criminals. Jesus knows what shame is. Yet his death means that those who trust in him will not be ashamed before God.