Mention John 3:16 to some people, and they immediately think of that strange fellow . . .

Mention John 3:16 to some people, and they immediately think of that strange fellow in the rainbow-colored wig standing in the end zone of a football game waving a big painted sign.  But needless to say, John 3:16 represents far more than just a photo op on ESPN.  Martin Luther once called this verse “the gospel in a nutshell” because it describes the amazing extent of God’s love.  Jesus is given to the world; willing to sacrifice his own life, so that we might obtain life eternal!

But despite our familiarity with John 3:16, I’ve always thought that there is something a little shocking—maybe even offensive—about this verse.  Notice that God never consulted with us prior to giving the world his only begotten son.  God didn’t ask our permission, or preference, or even our opinion on the matter.  God simply acted—unconditionally, unilaterally, and without any input from us at all.

In a sense, it is somewhat akin to infant baptism.  As you have probably figured out by now, whenever an infant is brought forward to the baptismal font, there has been no consultation with the infant beforehand.  I have never sought out the infant’s willingness, readiness, or even his or her eagerness to be baptized.  And every now and then, someone will buttonhole me in the narthex and ask, “Why didn’t you just wait until the child is of age; when he or she is a consenting adult and can speak for themselves?”

Please understand that I don’t ever object to a parent who wishes to wait, but at the heart of infant baptism is the belief that God chooses us before we’re even aware of being chosen.  The fact that the infant hasn’t been consulted in advance is the whole point.  Indeed, I’ve often wondered whether we should highlight this by saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit—like it or not!”

I remember a mother telling me of an argument she had with her five-year-old son about going to bed on time.  After several unsuccessful attempts, the five-year-old screamed out, “I hate you, mommy!”  The mother, possessing a presence of mind that I wish I had more frequently displayed, responded, “I’m sorry you feel that way; but I still love you!”

“Don’t say that,” the son replied.  Surprised, but maintaining control, the mother continued, “It’s true—I love you.”  “Stop saying that.  Stop saying it right now,” the son insisted.  To which the mother said, “I will love you no matter what—like it or not!”  Even at that young age, the son slowly began to realize that he had come face-to-face with unconditional, non-negotiable, like-it-or-not love!

The same is true for us, of course.  If God’s love for us was based on our good behavior, or our knowledge of the Scriptures, or our charity toward others, then suddenly we would have tremendous power.  We could negotiate.  We could cut a deal.  We could even opt out altogether and go running off in the opposite direction.  But the truth of the matter is that, in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God made the decision to save us—like it or not.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”