Whoever

Some of us may remember those days when we were punished for getting into trouble at school. I remember there was that one kid who always seemed to be the culprit of the mischief. Most of us knew who created the mischief; however, we did not want to be a snitch and kept our mouths shut because snitches get stitches.
Once the mischief was discovered, the teacher would confront the entire class and say, “Whoever is behind this must confess right now!”
Of course, the only sound heard was crickets. Then the teacher would make a threat that if the culprit didn’t confess, the entire class would be punished.
Think about that for a second – one person’s sin caused the entire class to suffer the consequences.
Less than a week ago we celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus. I’m so thankful that because of him, it’s just the opposite of the one little stinker who caused the suffering for all. Instead, there was One who suffered to cover the sins of all.
I’d suspect we’ve all seen the signs at televised sporting events or on signs that say John 3:16. Well, it’s a very important verse in the Gospel message. It says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
I’ve heard this verse referred to as the world’s greatest text. It’s universal and international. God’s love is for everyone … for “whoever,” including the “little stinker.”
When Adam and Eve sinned at the beginning of creation, God could have removed himself. He could have said, “I’m out.” But, because God so loved, he brought redemption. He provided a way out for us. He gave his one and only Son, Jesus, who was the Son of Man and the Son of God. Because Jesus was born of a woman, it makes him a Son of Man, but a person’s blood type is determined through the father, making Jesus’ blood divine, and being conceived of the Spirit, it makes him the Son of God.
Yes, God sacrificed his Son for us, but we can’t stop there. It would never have happened if Jesus wasn’t willing to go to the cross. Jesus stepped down as deity, wrapped himself in human form to redeem us. Jesus knew why he came. He knew what was ahead. In the days leading up to his crucifixion, he asked God if there was any other way. His flesh did not want to go to the cross, but his spirit man agreed with his Father, “Not my will, but thine.”
I’m so grateful that Jesus did not act in his fleshly desire like the “little stinker” did in class, but through His Spirit agreed with the Father (God), and went to the cross to pay the price for our sin through the shedding of his blood, his divine blood, bringing us redemption.
We are all “whoevers.” It’s not an exclusive club. There are no membership requirements except believing in Jesus. It’s God’s desire that we all believe so we can have everlasting life.
Give your life to him as he gave his for you!