Sermons on Resurrection (Page 3)
The word “so” in John 3:16 means that Jesus would be lifted up like the bronze serpent in Numbers 21, become the embodiment of sin for us and die willingly with our sins blamed on Him as the sacrifice for our sins, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.
The Lord describes Himself as a Good Shepherd. He uses the word picture to explain that He will guard and protects us, feed us with the food and drink that nourishes to eternal life and that He will give up His life for His flock. That’s us, the sheep of the Good Shepherd. We are the ones He cares about. We are the ones He would rescue by sacrificing Himself to pay for our wayward sinfulness and bring us to the safety of heaven. In faith and thankfulness, let us forsake our wandering ways and follow His paths of righteousness. We need not fear for He is with us, guiding us home.
Many heard Jesus’ word and saw His miracles and yet did not listen and did not see that He was and is God, our Savior, because they were looking for another, more fashionable savior. By God’s grace, He has worked faith in our hearts, so that we have heard and seen and believed. By that same Word, He draws us together in His flock to guard and keep us unto eternal life.