The Other John 3:16

Almost everyone, whether they believe in the person of Jesus Christ or not, is familiar with John 3:16. It is one of the most quoted verses in Scripture. It was the summary of Jesus' explanation to Nicodemus about eternal life. It is our Savior's earthly mission statement. It is the eternal hope of everyone who puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ--For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

It seems like everyone--even the funny looking guy with the rainbow-color wig who appeared at countless televised sporting events--knows about John 3:16. Yet there is another 3:16 verse penned by John that speaks to us here and now: By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers (1 John 3:16).

1 John 3:16 is the practical application of Christ's love. Our Savior set the example by being a living sacrifice; obedient to the will of God to fulfill his Kingdom purpose. Our purpose and calling; although vastly different from that of our Lord, requires the same mindset. We lay down our lives for others by fulfilling the Great Commandment (Mark 12:31) and loving others as we love ourselves.

Jesus himself said he didn't come to be served but to serve and give his life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). He demonstrated servanthood throughout his earthly ministry. Knowing and applying the other John 3:16 helps us to have the same perspective.