Jesus: The Greatest Gift Ever Given - John 3:16
Theme: Jesus Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s love and the greatest gift to humanity.
Key Scripture: John 3:16 – “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
As we approach this season of giving, many of us are searching for the perfect gift for our loved ones. But let me remind you today of the greatest gift that has ever been given—Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Gifts often reflect the heart of the giver. And in the gift of Jesus, we see the heart of God—His love, grace, and mercy. This morning, we’ll explore why Jesus is the greatest gift and what this means for us. We’ll focus on three truths:
The Gift of God’s Love.
The Gift of Eternal Life.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving.
1. The Gift of God’s Love
Let’s begin with John 3:16: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse captures the essence of the Gospel. The Greek word for “loved” is agapao, which refers to a selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. God’s love for the world was so great that He willingly gave His Son.
Romans 5:8 further illustrates this love: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
God didn’t wait for us to clean up our act. His love is proactive, reaching out to us even when we were lost in sin.
Imagine a parent giving up their only child to save someone else. That’s a small glimpse of the magnitude of God’s love for us.
Tim Keller writes, “The Gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time, we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
Have you fully embraced the depth of God’s love for you?
This Christmas, let the reality of God’s love fill your heart with gratitude and joy.
2. The Gift of Eternal Life
Next, let’s consider Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
The “wages of sin” refers to what we’ve earned through our rebellion against God—spiritual death and separation from Him. But God offers a free gift, and the Greek word here for “gift” is charisma, meaning a gift of grace.
Eternal life isn’t something we can earn or buy; it’s freely given through faith in Jesus. Jesus Himself said in John 10:28: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.”
Consider receiving an extravagant gift, something you could never afford. It’s humbling, isn’t it? That’s what God’s gift of eternal life is like—something we could never deserve, yet it’s offered to us freely.
Billy Graham said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or material things accumulated in life, but a legacy of character and faith.”
Have you received the gift of eternal life?
If you have, live each day in the light of eternity, sharing this gift with others.
3. The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Finally, let’s turn to John 10:10: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”
Jesus doesn’t just give us eternal life in the future; He gives us abundant life here and now. The Greek word for “abundant” is perissos, meaning exceedingly, beyond measure, or more than enough.
This abundance isn’t about material wealth but spiritual richness—peace, joy, purpose, and hope. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the gifts that the Holy Spirit produces in our lives as we walk with Christ.
Think of a fountain that never runs dry, constantly refreshing and renewing. That’s the kind of life Jesus offers—a life that overflows with His goodness.
Rick Warren said, “You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will never make sense.”
Application:
Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers?
Let Him fill every area of your life with His presence and power.
Conclusion and Call to Action:
Jesus is the greatest gift ever given. Through Him, we receive God’s love, eternal life, and an abundant life here and now. But like any gift, it must be received.
Encouragement:
If you’ve already accepted this gift, live in the joy and freedom it brings.
If you haven’t, know that God is holding out this gift to you today.
Invitation to Faith:
If you’ve never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, now is the time. He came to bring you salvation, security, and satisfaction. Will you receive Him today?
Let’s pray together.
