Grace and Space

Jn 3:13-17

Lifted up: The Gospel today is part of a response to a question asked by Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus at night.
In a post-resurrectional context, Jesus’ statement, “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man” (v 13) makes more sense. The pre-existent Word, the Son, has always been with God from the beginning. He became flesh and made his dwelling on the earth. Therefore, he is the one who came down from heaven. Through the glory of his suffering, death, and resurrection, he has returned to heaven in the Johannine perspective. His suffering and lifting up in death on a cross have the power to heal all humankind, just as the serpent mounted on the pole healed any of the Israelites who looked upon it (cf Nm 21:9). Jesus was exalted through his cross and resurrection and became the source of healing for all people. This is the same as eternal life for all who believe in Jesus, God’s gift to the world in the incarnation and again in the crucifixion and resurrection. “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (v 16). The person who believes in Jesus will share in eternal life, the fullness of life.
God’s purpose in giving Jesus to the world and lifting him up in glory was not to condemn the world. Jesus’ purpose was to save everyone who would believe in him; everyone who looks upon his cross is healed.