NOTES for Joh 3:16-21
The coming of the Son of God into the world is a manifestation not of God's wrath, but of love. In today's reading Jesus says that God sent the Son not to judge, but to save. And at the same time, the very fact of the coming of the Son of God is already judgment, because He is light. In this light the most important thing becomes visible: people's hearts.
As long as He was not near, it was possible to pretend that everything was all right. More than that, one could say that one loved God and continue living in whatever way was convenient. When He is near, there is no longer any room for any lie. That is exactly why it was so hard for those who saw Him in the days of His earthly life, face to face, to receive Him.
We have believed without seeing Him. The question is what His light is for us: life and joy, or exposure? And do we truly want to meet Him? Let us pray that His light may enlighten our hearts and that He may become our life.