John 3:16

"It comes down to this, Nicodemus, God loved the human race, including you, so much he surrendered his one and only Son for him to be lifted up like a serpent on a stick, and as a result anyone and everyone who places their faith on him will not die as a result of the sin that flows through their veins. On the contrary, the death-bound will exchange their doomed destiny for life that never ends." John 3:16 EFP

This most beloved verse takes on a different visual impact when seen in the context of the serpent in the desert.  It is powerful metal imagery drawn from a story well-known to Nicodemus.  I'm not sure Nicodemus would truly understand the entire meaning of the verse.  In fact, I'm quite certain he did not see the connection between the Son of Man being lifted up until three years later.  It must have broken his heart to see Jesus words fulfilled with such violence and cruelty.

This is the seminal statement on the good news he was sharing with Nick at night (I couldn't resist).  It boils down to the love of God.  My future is bleak at best without the love of God.  I sense this was the missing element in Nicodemus' way of thinking.  Jesus makes everything hinge from these words, "God loved the world so much...."  God loves everyone.  In Nicodemus' world view God only loved the good, the righteous, the chosen ones; he defined each of those terms narrowly.  It is an exclusive club that few could join.  Jesus says God loves the whole world.  As a result, he does what would be unthinkable without love in the mix.  He gives up his son into the company of hateful, vengeful, bigoted, narrow-minded, hedonistic, sinful, and sickly people…like me. 

Beyond that, God knows the end that awaits his son.  Jesus knows his fate as well.  Nicodemus, on the other hand, cannot even fathom the thought that the Messiah would be a suffering servant. But we do.  I know the story in all its sordid details.  It is the only way to save me.  The Holy One becomes the epitome of the hated one.  The innocent w becomes the guilty.  And just as Barabbas is freed from certain death, undeserving and unmerited, I am set free unilaterally from the consequences of my folly.  If I choose to die, it is because I choose to forfeit the life given and inject myself with the venom of sin and death from which I am freed.  Life or death! What a choice.  Jesus chose death to give me the choice of life. Why anyone would chose anything but life is beyond me?  Either I'm missing something or the lost are missing something.