The Gift of Love

Author Philip Yancey writes: Where I live in the Rocky Mountains, you can see several thousand stars with the naked eye on a clear night. All of them belong to the Milky Way galaxy, which contains more than 100 billion stars, including an average-sized one that our planet Earth orbits around—the Sun.

Our galaxy has plenty of room: 26 trillion miles separate the Sun from the star nearest to it. And traveling at the speed of light, it would take you 25,000 years to reach the center of the Milky Way from our home planet, which lies out in the galaxy’s margins.

Until a century ago, astronomers believed the universe consisted of our galaxy alone. Then, in the 1920’s, Edwin Hubble proved that one apparent cloud of dust and gas in the night sky, named Andromeda, was actually a separate galaxy. Now there were two. When NASA launched a large telescope into space for a clearer view, they appropriately named it after Hubble.

In 1995, a scientist proposed pointing the Hubble Space Telescope at one dark spot, the size of a grain of sand, to see what lay beyond the darkness. For ten days, the telescope orbited Earth and took long-exposure images of that spot. The result, which has been called “the most important image ever taken,” would astonish everyone. It turns out that tiny spot alone contained almost 3,000 galaxies!

Scientists now believe that if you had unlimited vision, you could hold a sewing needle at arm’s length toward the night sky and see 10,000 galaxies in the eye of the needle. Move it an inch to the left and you’d find 10,000 more. Same to the right, or no matter where else you moved it. There are approximately a trillion galaxies out there, each encompassing an average of 100 to 200 billion stars.

And here’s the thing—thousands of years ago, long before Hubble or telescopes, someone stood under that same sky and marveled at the same truth. Listen to the psalmist’s words in Psalm 8…“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Ps. 8:3–4).

The answer, of course, is found in the New Testament revelation that God loves the world so deeply (John 3:16) that he sent his Son in the form of a servant (Phil. 2:6-7) to die for humanity.

In an act of humility beyond comprehension, the God of a trillion galaxies chose to “condescend”—to descend to be with—the benighted humans on this one rebellious planet, out of billions in the universe.

So here we are, tiny specks in the grand expanse of the universe, and yet… God loves us.

That’s what the Advent season is all about.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve explored the gifts of hope, peace, and joy.

Today, we finish with the most profound gift of all: love.

It’s so important for us today to understand the love of God and why it is the most important gift we could ever receive from a God who is love.

In a day where so many people feel lonely and left out, it’s crucial that they understand that there is one who loves them so much He desires to rescue them.

How does God accomplish this rescue?

Through Jesus Christ.

This season, we celebrate the incarnation.

God becoming a human and living among us.

He actually went through the birthing process.

And as that little baby laid in the manger, the shadow of the cross loomed across it.

Jesus the Christ was born to die. Why?

As a gift to rescue us from the terrible wrath of God.

Main Idea: Jesus is God’s Gift to the World

The crazy thing is, so many people don’t even think they need this gift.

They might shrug it off as unnecessary, irrelevant, or outdated.

But the truth is—we all need it.

The whole world needs this gift of Jesus.

Whether we realize it or not, this gift changes everything.

But here’s the thing about this gift: It didn’t come cheaply.

This wasn’t like grabbing something off the clearance shelf at the last minute.

No, this gift came at the greatest cost imaginable.

That’s what we see in John 3:16—God’s sacrificial love.

1. God’s Sacrificial Love (v. 16)

John 3:16 (ESV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

If you’ve been around church for any length of time, you’ve probably heard this verse.

It’s everywhere—even at football games with fans holding up ‘John 3:16’ signs.

But let me ask you: When was the last time you really stopped and thought about what this verse says?

What if today you read it as though it’s the very first time you’ve ever seen it?

Let its words sink in—its beauty, its power, and its truth.

Do you know who said these words?

Jesus Himself.

And do you know why He said them?

He was talking to a man named Nicodemus—a Pharisee, a religious leader who had questions about what it means to be right with God.

Nicodemus had spent his life trying to follow God’s law, but something was missing.

Jesus tells him about being born again—that salvation isn’t about what we do but about what God has done for us.

And then Jesus gets to the heart of it all in verse 16: God’s love.

Take a look at the text that leads up to the verses we are studying this morning.

John 3:1–16 (ESV)

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Leading up to John 3:16, Jesus uses a lot of powerful images.

He talks about being born again—a new spiritual life that the Holy Spirit makes possible.

He mentions how the Son of Man came down from heaven—Jesus Himself.

And He points to an Old Testament story about Moses lifting up a serpent in the wilderness to save the Israelites.

Why does Jesus share all this?

Because it’s about rescue.

God is on a rescue mission, and His motivation—according to verse 16—is love.

Look again at verse 16…

John 3:16 (ESV)

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Jesus tells Nicodemus something He should have known because of his profession.

That the God of the Old Testament is a God of great love.

Exodus 34:6 (ESV)

The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness,

Psalm 136:1 (ESV)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.

And throughout the Old Testament, God promised to demonstrate that love by sending one who would sit on the throne of David as their King forever.

He would rescue them and protect them for all time.

That deliverer was none other than Jesus, God’s only, unique Son.

In fact the name Jesus means, “God saves.”

And the reason Jesus is unique is that He is 100% God and 100% man thus qualifying Him to satisfy God’s just wrath against those who sin against Him (which is everyone).

As the verse says, God gave humanity Jesus for a specific purpose - their rescue from God’s wrath.

Just so you know, God’s wrath results in punishment which is eternal death (perish).

But there is hope in God’s provision of Jesus. God gave His Son!

Now let’s stop here for a second.

Think about this: God gave His only Son.

Let that sink in. Would you give up your child for someone who doesn’t deserve it?

It is interesting to see in this verse that there is nothing required to obtain this salvation but belief.

Belief in the only One who can absorb God’s terrible wrath.

This was accomplished on the cross.

God did His part through Christ.

Our part? We must simply believe.

John 3:16 (ESV)

…that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Eternal life - Heaven, living with God forever.

No More Night

The timeless theme, Earth and Heaven will pass away It's not a dream, God will make all things new that day Gone is the curse from which I stumbled and fell Evil is banished to eternal hell

See all around, now the nations bow down to sing The only sound is the praises to Christ, our King Slowly the names from the book are read I know the King, so there's no need, no need to dread

See over there, there's a mansion That's prepared just for me Where I will live with my Savior eternally

And there will be no more night, no more pain No more tears, never crying again And praises to the great, "I am" We will live in the light of the risen Lamb

Because of God’s love, we don’t have to fear death.

We don’t have to wonder what will happen after this life.

We have hope—eternal life.

And one day, we’ll see this fulfilled in all its glory, just as God promised.

‘For God so loved the world…’

Notice the simplicity:

God loved, God gave, we believe, we receive eternal life.

If eternal life depended on you being good enough, let me ask: How good is good enough?

Where’s the line?

The truth is—we can never measure up.

And here’s the best news: God doesn’t ask us to.

In love, He did all the heavy lifting so you could have eternal life.

All He asks is that you believe.

Love is the greatest thing that God can give us for He is love…

Jeremy Taylor

Maybe you’ve felt forgotten.

Maybe there have been moments when you’ve wondered, ‘Does God really love me?’

John 3:16 answers that question once and for all.

Let me ask you: Do you believe this? Have you received this incredible gift?

Let’s make it personal—right now.

Put your name into this verse:

‘For God so loved Mark that He gave His only Son, that if Mark believes, he will not die in hell forever, but have life with God forever.’

Now replace my name with yours. ‘For God so loved you…’

This is the truth of God’s love for you today.”

So don’t miss this—Jesus is God’s gift to the world.

God loved, God gave, and through Jesus, He has shown us a sacrificial love like no other.

And if you ever doubt that love, look to the cross.

It’s there that God proved just how much you matter to Him.

Review - Jesus is God’s Gift to the World

God’s Sacrificial Love

2. The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming (v. 17)

John 3:17 (ESV)

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Have you ever noticed how kids love to ask, ‘Why?’

It’s their favorite question.

‘Why is the sky blue?’

‘Why do I have to brush my teeth?’

‘Why does the dog bark?’

Sometimes, if I’m honest, the constant ‘why’ can wear me out.

But I have to remember: they’re not being difficult.

They’re just trying to understand the purpose behind things.

‘Why’ is such an important question—it gets to the heart of things.

And so today, I want us to ask the same question: Why did Jesus come?

Why would He leave the perfection of Heaven to come to a broken, sin-filled world?

The world might have its good parts, sure—but it’s also messy.

It’s full of pain, rebellion, and sin.

Why would Jesus want to come here?

The answer is right here in John 3:17. Jesus says:

John 3:17 (ESV)

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Jesus didn’t come to condemn us. He didn’t come to shame us for our failures or point a finger at our sin.

No—He came to save us.

Imagine someone drowning in the ocean.

You don’t stand on the shore yelling, ‘You should’ve been more careful!’

No, you jump in and pull them out of the water.

That’s exactly what Jesus did.

He didn’t come to condemn the world; He came to rescue it.

And why?

Because God’s love is active. It’s not distant or passive—it pursues, it rescues, and it sacrifices.

That’s the heart of God.

This verse has become very dear to me over the past couple of years.

God had a purpose for sending Jesus into the world through the means of the incarnation.

Remember, incarnation means that God became a human.

John 1:14 (ESV)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus didn’t come just to be a good example or a wise teacher.

He came for a much greater purpose: to be the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins.

The fact is, you and I are people who do wrong.

We lie, we steal, we cheat, we do all kinds of acts that are directly opposed to God and what He has communicated in His Word.

The fact is, we are without excuse and there is a price to pay for our disobedience to God.

Because God is holy, sin has a steep price—one we cannot pay on our own.

The Bible teaches that hell is God’s eternal judgment for those who are rebellious against Him.

Now, before you get too upset, let me remind you that while God is a god of wrath, He is also a god of Love.

And this love compelled Him to send perfection in our place.

But here’s the good news: God doesn’t want you to bear His wrath!

That’s why He sent Jesus.

Jesus is our perfection…

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 7:26 (ESV)

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

1 Peter 2:22 (ESV)

He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

Because Jesus is perfect, and because God loves us, Jesus is willing to stand in your place and take the punishment that you deserve onto Himself.

Jesus had every right to condemn us because He’s perfect—but instead, He stood in our place.

He took the punishment we deserved so that we could be made perfect in God’s sight.

Paul says it this way in 2 Corinthians 5:21…

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Did you catch that? Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us.

He took all of our guilt, all of our shame, and all of our punishment onto Himself.

Why? Because God loves you.

God doesn’t want to punish you—He wants to save you.

His love compelled Him to provide Jesus as the perfect sacrifice so you could be free from His punishment.

He loves you more than you could ever imagine, and He wants you to be with Him forever.

Jesus didn’t come to condemn you—He came to save you.

Billy Graham said it this way:

Jesus did not come to condemn you; He came to save you. The world is already condemned by sin. Christ offers redemption and hope. - Billy Graham (The Reason for My Hope: Salvation, 2013).

Isn’t that a refreshing thought?

It’s like a breath of fresh air in a world filled with guilt and hopelessness.

You can, by faith, trust God’s plan of rescue for you and this will be the best Christmas you’ve ever had!

So let me ask you: What’s holding you back from trusting Him?

Right now—wherever you are—you can call out to God.

Ask Him to open your heart so you can fully believe in His plan to rescue you.

This could be the moment that changes everything.

This could be the best Christmas you’ve ever had, not because of gifts or traditions, but because you’ve received the greatest gift of all—salvation through Jesus.”

Here’s the reality: You and I are already condemned because of sin.

It’s like we’re on a ship that’s sinking fast, and there’s no way to save ourselves.

But Jesus—Jesus is reaching out His hand to rescue you.

Will you turn to Him?

Will you stretch out your hand and let Him pull you out of despair and into hope?

This is His glorious purpose.

This is why Jesus came—to save, not to condemn. What an incredible act of love!”

Review - Jesus is God’s Gift to the World

God’s Sacrificial Love

The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming

Conclusion

Will you open your heart to the gift of love that God is offering you today? You’re not here by accident—God brought you here for a reason.

And I believe that reason is simple: He wants you to receive His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

I’ve explained what this means, but now it’s up to you.

Will you turn from your sin, trust in Jesus, and accept this gift of eternal life?

God is not asking you to clean yourself up first—He’s asking you to come as you are.

Charles Spurgeon once said:

“There is no greater proof of divine love than the gift of God’s own Son. God did not send Him to condemn, for the world was already condemned; He sent Him to bring hope to the hopeless and life to the dead.” - Charles H. Spurgeon The Treasury of the New Testament (1887), Sermon on John 3:16-17.

Today, God is offering you hope.

Will you receive it?

And for those of us here today who have already accepted God’s gift of love—what if we lived it out every day?

What if Allendale Baptist Church became known as the place where God’s love isn’t just talked about but freely given to anyone willing to hear?

Imagine this: every person you meet—your neighbor, your coworker, the stranger in line at the store—experiences the love of Christ through you.

Imagine our church living out its mission to Connect, Grow, and Share the Love of Jesus so faithfully that people can’t help but notice.

Friends, we would have to build a bigger building!

Not for our glory, but for God’s—so that more people could hear the life-changing message of His love.”

Let me ask you one more time: What will you do with God’s gift of love today?

If you need to accept it, do it now.

If you’ve already received it, ask God to help you share His love boldly this week.

McKenzie is going to come and sing a very appropriate song for this morning. O Come all You Unfaithful.

As she does, if you want to come and talk with me about salvation or whatever, I’ll be at the front.