One of the most well-known and beloved verses of Christian Scripture is John 3:16.  And for good reason.  It’s an amazing, precious, and theologically power-packed verse.

Tim Tebow sportin’ the John 3:16 eye black.

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (ESV)

While reviewing a book last semester for a seminar on doctrinal preaching I came across a gem of a description of John 3:16.  The book is Kent Hughes’ homiletical commentary on Romans—Romans: Righteousness from Heaven (Preaching the Word).

The relevant snippet concerning John 3:16:

For God — The greatest Lover
so loved — The greatest degree
the world, — The greatest company
that he gave — The greatest act
his only begotten Son, — The greatest gift
that whosoever — The greatest opportunity
believeth — The greatest simplicity
in him — The greatest attraction
should not perish, — The greatest promise
but — The greatest difference
have —The greatest certainty
everlasting life — The greatest possession.

I like the way Hughes puts things.  Very simple, yet superlative language regarding a verse deserving nothing less than the best superlatives we can give it.