Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
--John 3:17
According to sources, over seventy thousand people were condemned and executed during the reign of King Henry VIII in England. This is not a pleasant thought. Condemnation and execution never are. Execution is nauseating and condemnation, we hope, will never have application to us.
But we certainly don't mind watching it on television. We support the heroes and cheer when the bad ones get what's coming to them. Condemnation and execution are little more than a
"spectator sport" to many among the rank and file citizenry.
Jesus Christ was no spectator. In the real world, He was the ultimate "Dead Man Walking". The condemnation for the sins of the world was upon His shoulders. He bore it all to a Roman cross where He was executed. Was the penalty sufficient? Was divine justice satisfied? Easter's empty tomb says yes.
God did not send His Son into the world to run things like King Henry of England. To the contrary, Jesus came so that -- through Him and through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection -- the world might be saved.
This will not come as particularly good news to those who view life through the "entertainment" that comes through a high definition television. TV can be a kind of relaxing escape from the rigors of living, but escapism can quickly generate into a false god.
For those who live life in the real world and know only too well their limitations, shortcomings, and sins, the news of God sending Jesus is the best thing going! No wonder that they call it good news! No wonder that they call it the Gospel!
PD
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