Grace — Week 2 – Tuesday
TODAY’S VERSE
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV)
“Are you coming to Jarrod’s?” she smiled as we left the game.
Back when I was a senior in high school, I secretly really liked Bailey. She was warm and funny, the kind of person everyone adored, including me—just not enough to go to that party.
“Eh, I’m kinda tired...” I shrugged, hoping that would be enough of an excuse. Giving me puppy dog eyes, she made a sad face with her bottom lip.
“No way—not gonna work!” I laughed, “I don’t even think I’m invited!” Bailey wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Everyone is invited!” she insisted. “He literally said ‘whoever wants to come’!”
Running out of excuses, I finally caved. “Alright, I’ll go. But only for a few minutes!”
The closer I drove to Jarrod’s house, the more nervous I became. As much as I liked Bailey and wanted to spend time with her, Jarrod and I weren’t exactly “friends.” Ever since he and I had gone out with the same girl freshman year, we’d had enough beef with each other to open up our own steakhouse! All that to say, the idea of rolling up to his house for his party made me a little uneasy. But as I pulled into his neighborhood, I got a hurtful text from a number I didn’t recognize:
“Jarrod said you weren’t invited to his party! Sorry bro.”
Somewhat defeated, I turned my car around and headed back towards home. Apparently inviting “everyone” somehow didn’t include me.
Sometimes I think we assume that Jesus is a lot like Jarrod. That He doesn’t really want to be our friend. That He’s holding some sort of grudge against us over something we’ve done. That His parties are exclusive instead of inclusive. That everyone else in the world is invited—but that somehow doesn’t include us.
Luckily for you and me, our verse today is a reminder that Jesus really did mean what He said when He used the word “whoever”—because whoever refers to everyone who believes in Him.
In other words, God loved you so much that He could not imagine eternity without you. That kind of invitation should make you and I feel really, really special.
I have no doubt that Heaven will be the greatest party ever thrown, and one that will go on forever. And because of what Jesus has done for me, I want everyone to have a chance to experience that someday. Even Jarrod.
APPLICATION
Take some time to memorize John 3:16 this week. Practice emphasizing the word “whoever” as you say it out loud.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for including us in your plans for eternity. Thank You for giving us Your Son Jesus so that we could have eternal life.
