Commentaries

Exultation of the Cross
September 14, 2008

John 3: 13 – 17

The Cross of Jesus - Revelation and Instrument of God's love

Reading a preface or introduction of a book often gives the reader the summary of the topic and major themes of the book. Similarly, the prologue of John’s gospel (1: 1 – 18) provides the major themes of the rest of the gospel. One of those themes, indeed, one of the major one, is found in 1:12, “to those who did accept him (here, referring to “the Word”) he gave power to become children of God.” In the fullness of time, the Word of God came to live among us so that we can become one with God.

Now, in chapter 3, we find Jesus discussing this theme of salvation with Nicodemus. Moreover, here we learn of two aspects of this theme. First, the Son was sent to save the world by the Father. And it was out of love that the Father sent the Son. “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.” In other words, the Father and the Son are united in this act of love.

This act of love reaches its climax on the cross. Here is the second aspect of the theme of salvation. The cross is both the moment of God fulfilling his plan of love and the revelation of God’s love. By the Son’s cross, we learn and receive the love of God, the love that saves us, and gives us the eternal life of God’s children. For the people who once wandered in the desert of sins and death, the cross gives them salvation and God’s love. Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” The cross, then, is both the revelation and the instrument of God’s saving love. By his cross, not only did Christ save us, but he made us children of God.