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John 3:16 - How God Loved the World.

John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, 
that he gave his only begotten Son, that 
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have 
everlasting life. 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   The story is told of a very wealthy man 
who shared a passion for art collecting with his 
son. Priceless works of art adorned the walls of 
their family estate. Then one day the young man 
left to serve his country. After a few short 
weeks, his father received a telegram. His son had 
been killed in battle. 
   Distraught and lonely, the old man faced 
the upcoming holidays with sadness. The joy of 
the season had vanished with the death of his 
son. But on Christmas morning, a knock at the 
door awakened him. A soldier was standing at his 
door with a large package in his hands. He said, 
I was a friend of your sons. I was the one 
he was rescuing when he died. 
   Then the soldier gave the father the 
package. It was a portrait of his son, which the 
soldier had painted. Though art critics never would 
have considered it the work of a genius, the 
painting featured the young mans face in striking 
detail. Overcome with emotion, the father hung his 
sons portrait over his fireplace, setting aside 
millions of dollars worth of art. 
   He spent that Christmas sitting in his 
chair, gazing at the priceless gift he had 
received. It became his most valued possession, 
eclipsing his interest in any other art in his 
collection. Six months later, the father died, and the 
art community waited with anticipation for the 
estates upcoming auction. Then it was announced that 
all the art would be auctioned on Christmas 
Day. 
   Collectors from around the world gathered 
to bid on the spectacular paintings. But the 
auction began with a painting that wasnt on 
anyones list: the soldiers portrait of the estate 
owners son. When the auctioneer asked for an 
opening bid, the room fell silent. 
   Then someone said, Who cares about 
that painting? Its just a picture of his son. 
Lets move on. 
   The auctioneer replied, Well have 
to sell this one first. Who will take the 
son? 
   Finally, the mans neighbor offered 
$50. Its all I have, he said. But I 
knew the boy, and I loved him. I would like to 
have it. 
   The auctioneer said, Going once, going 
twice, gone. 
   Cheers filled the room, and then someone 
called out, Now we can bid on the real 
treasures! 
   But then the auctioneer made an 
announcement: the sale was over. 
   Everyone was stunned. What do you mean 
its over? someone asked. Were here to 
buy millions of dollars worth of art! 
Whats going on? 
   Its very simple, the auctioneer 
said. According to the will of the father, 
whoever takes the son gets it all. 
   The same is true this Christmas. Because 
of the Fathers love, whoever takes the Son 
gets it all. God demonstrated His love by giving 
us the most important gift of all: the gift of 
His Son. 
   That is why Jesus came. He came to give 
us life, to die for our sins, and to heal our 
broken hearts. He gives us hope beyond the grave 
and a purpose for life here on Earth. [Greg 
Laurie from Harvest Ministries; 
https://www.harvestdaily.com] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

John 3:16 - LOVE SUPREME!

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20211206-0816.html 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210328-1057.html 

John 13:34, 35 - The Distinguishing Mark of 
a Christian. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200831-1501.html 

John 15:12 - It's More About Love.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221128-0854.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/