Last Sunday, March 16th, we had 3/16 Sunday and focused the whole day on John 3:16.
There are, it seems, endless messages from that single verse. Sidlow Baxter wrote an excellent book based on that verse –
On 3/16 Sunday morning we highlighted the power of God’s love [I’m aware of the argument that “so” looks back to the snake in the wilderness mentioned in previous verses, but I believe it also describes the strength of God’s love]:
Here’s an outline of the message:
- The Strength of God’s Love – “For God SO loved the world”
- The Sacrifice of God’s Love “…that He gave His only begotten Son…”
- The Sufficiency of God’s Love “…that whosoever believeth in Him…”
- The Scope of God’s Love “…shall not perish…”
- The Salvation of God’s Love “…but have everlasting life…”
Few verses in the Bible capture the essence of God’s love as powerfully as John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This one verse contains the heart of the gospel—the story of God’s immense love, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the promise of salvation. There are countless stories that demonstrate the power of this verse to change lives. One of my favorites is about Henry Moorehouse and D.L. Moody
The Story of Henry Moorhouse and John 3:16
In 1867, during a visit to England, famous evangelist D.L. Moody met a young preacher named Henry Moorhouse. Moorhouse asked Moody, “If I ever come to America, may I preach in your church?” Moody, likely out of politeness, agreed but didn’t think much of it.
To Moody’s surprise, Moorhouse did come to America. He sent word that he was ready to preach, and since Moody was traveling at the time, he allowed Moorhouse to speak at his church in Chicago.
On Sunday, April 21, 1872, Moorhouse took the pulpit and preached on John 3:16, emphasizing God’s love in a way that deeply moved the congregation. He was invited back for the evening service—where he preached on John 3:16 again.
Night after night, he continued preaching on this one verse. Each time, he uncovered new depths of meaning, revealing the boundless love of God.
When D.L. Moody returned, he was surprised to find the revival still going strong. His wife, Emma, told him, “Moorhouse preaches the gospel differently from you. He tells people that God loves them.”
Moody listened to Moorhouse’s sermon and was deeply moved. He later testified:
“I never knew up to that time that God loved us so much. This heart of mine began to thaw out; I could not keep back the tears. I just drank it in. So did the people. I have preached a different gospel since then.”
This moment changed Moody’s preaching forever. Before, he had primarily focused on God’s judgment. Now, he emphasized God’s love, and this shift helped fuel the great revival work of his ministry.
The story of Henry Moorhouse reminds us that the message of God’s love—contained in John 3:16—has the power to transform lives. But what makes this verse so powerful?
1. The Strength of God’s Love
“For God so loved the world…”
The word “so” is significant—it points to the intensity of God’s love.
- God’s love is beyond comprehension—greater than anything we have ever known.
- God’s love is demonstrated in action—He didn’t just say He loved us; He showed it by sending Jesus.
- The Greek word for love here is agape—a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love.
Jesus said:
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Paul echoed this truth:
Later, Paul wrote,
“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
The greatest love we can show for a friend is to die for them. But God’s love is so great that He gave His Son even when we were still sinners and enemies.
In giving His Son for a world of lost sinners we see the strength of God’s love.
2. The Sacrifice of God’s Love
“…that He gave His only begotten Son…”
For eternity God existed in perfection – sinless existence, perfect harmony. When God the Father sent God the Son into the world, the Son, Jesus Christ, experienced the presence of sin without ever sinning.
It was a sacrifice for the Father to send His only begotten Son. God has many children, but only One Begotten Son.
On the cross the sacrificed Son became the sacrifice for our sins and experienced a separation previously unexperienced by the Godhead.
At the cross, Jesus cried: “My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
This was not only physical suffering but also spiritual separation—Jesus bore the full weight of our sins so that we might be saved.
“For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
In the giving of the only begotten Son we see the sacrifice of God’s love.
3. The Sufficiency of God’s Love
“…that whosoever believeth in Him…”
The world means the whole world.
Whosoever means anyone.
- God’s love is not limited to a select few—it is available to all who will believe.
- The message of salvation is for everyone, regardless of background, past sins, or status.
- The Holy Spirit uses God’s Word to convict and draw people to Christ.
If you believe in Jesus, He will be your Savior. If you’re a part of the world then you’re a part of the whosoever and salvation is extended to you.
In making salvation available to all the world we see the sufficiency of God’s love.
4. The Scope of God’s Love
“…shall not perish…”
What is the scope of God’s love? What is its breadth, length, depth, and height? Can we measure it?
Paul describes the dimensions of God’s love in Ephesians 3:18:
- The Breadth – “For God so loved the world.”
- The Length – “That He gave His only begotten Son.”
- The Depth – “That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish.”
- The Height – “But have everlasting life.”
But no dimensions are given, it is limitless.
Just as the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and Solomon’s Temple and the dimensions of the New Jerusalem were designed as perfect cubes, symbolizing perfection, so too is God’s love perfect in every way.
God’s love is not just sufficient to forgive sins—but it is perfect and immeasurable. In it’s breadth it reaches the whole world; in its length it reaches as far as the guiltiest sinner; in its dept it goes down to reach the perishing; and in its height it raises us up to the throne room of God in the heavenlies.
5. The Salvation of God’s Love
“…but have everlasting life.”
Why do we need God’s love?
- Because we have all sinned.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
- Because sin leads to death.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
But the good news is:
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Repent, Believe, and Receive
- Repentance is not a work, but a response to God’s love.
- It means recognizing that we have sinned and need a Savior.
- Jesus has done all the work—all we must do is believe and receive His gift of salvation.
Final Thoughts: Respond to God’s Love
John 3:16 is not just a verse—it is an invitation.
- If you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior, come to Him today. His love is waiting for you.
- If you are saved, share this incredible love with others. Someone needs to hear about God’s love today!
Just as Henry Moorhouse changed D.L. Moody’s ministry by preaching John 3:16, we too can change lives by sharing this powerful truth:
God loves you and Jesus died for you. If you call upon Him, He will give you everlasting life.