Sunday Before the Exaltation of the Cross

Glory to Jesus Christ! In John 3:13-17, Jesus is having a conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish ruling council. Jesus tells Nicodemus that no one has ascended into heaven except for the Son of Man, who has come down from heaven. This statement emphasizes Jesus' divine nature and his unique authority as the Son of God.

Jesus then goes on to explain the purpose of his coming into the world. He states that just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. This reference to the Old Testament story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 highlights Jesus' role as the ultimate source of salvation and healing.

Jesus further explains that God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. This verse encapsulates the core message of Christianity - God's immense love for humanity and the offer of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Overall, this passage reveals Jesus' divine origin, his purpose in coming to earth, and the incredible love and grace of God towards humanity.