  Let's take a closer look at the most famous verse (and conversation) in the Bible by Max Lucado, author 3:16 The Numbers of Hope This sentence is prolific in our language and culture. But its words are more than a good saying, a favorite memory verse, or a catchy lyric. John 3:16 is the thesis of the New Testament. The climax of a theological moment. It is the Hope Diamond of the Bible.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
There it is—a twenty-six-word parade of hope, beginning with God, ending with life, and urging us to do the same.
Brief enough to write on a napkin or memorize in a moment, yet solid enough to weather two thousand years of storms and questions.  Each word is a safe-deposit box of jewels. Read it again, slowly and aloud, and note the word that snatches your attention:
"For God so loved the world . . ."
Yes, this world, filled with its heartbreakers, hope-snatchers, and dream-dousers. Dictators rage. Abusers inflict. Reverends think they deserve the title. But still God loves. In fact, he loves the world so much he gave his:
"One and only Son . . ."
The mind-bending claim of John 3:16 is that God gave not abstract ideas but a flesh-wrapped divinity. The Bible equates Jesus with God. So God, then, out of his great love for the world gave of Himself. Why? So that:
"Whoever believes in him shall not perish."
Whoever . . . a universal word. All are invited to receive. And perish . . . a sobering word. A warning of the consequences for not receiving. We'd like to dilute the term. But not Jesus. He pounds Do Not Enter signs on every square inch of Satan's gate and tells those hell-bent on entering to do so over his dead body. Even so, some souls insist—and in the end, some perish and some live. What determines the difference? Not works or talents, pedigrees, or possessions. The difference is determined by belief.
*
John 3:16. Could a single sentence contain more significance? Consider the weight of its words: "God . . . loved . . . world . . . perish . . . eternal life." Each phrase deserves a deep dive. Each term warrants its own conversation. Each word merits its own chapter. Hence the book, 3:16 [and the all-new Bible study for 2022].
Every time I recall these words, they are fresh and as stunning as my first encounter with them. The mind-bending awareness of God's limitless love, his incalculable sacrifice, and the priceless teaching at the core. How can we not review it again and again? I want this generation, and all who come after, to look closely at the key promise of God and choose the gift beyond all gifts.
Shall we begin?
~ Max Lucado
⭐Join the Online Study⭐
You're invited! Registration is now open for Max Lucado's 3:16 Online Bible Study, sponsored by FaithGateway and K-Love! Join Max for a FREE 5-week journey leading up to Easter to uncover all the meaning and promise behind the most famous verse in the Bible... a twenty-six word parade of hope.
Receive these for FREE when you join...
#1 John 3:16 Scripture Prints  #2 Free access to 5 study videos with Max  #3 Free downloads of the first chapters of the book + study guide to get started  When this world is the darkest, God's love shines the brightest. Join us as Max Lucado unpacks the life changing promise of John 3:16!
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Thursday, February 17, 2022
the most famous verse in the Bible
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