The 3:16s of the Bible: Jesus, Our Great High Priest

The following is an article based on the sermon series being reached the summer of 2026.

Scripture: John 3:1–21; Hebrews 4:14–16; Psalm 22:1–6

Beginning a New Journey Through the 3:16s of Scripture

Many Christians are familiar with the remarkable story of former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. During his college football career at the University of Florida, Tebow became known not only for his athletic accomplishments but also for his bold Christian witness.

One of the most memorable moments occurred during the 2009 National Championship game when he wore “John 3:16” on his eye black. Following that game, millions of people searched online to discover the meaning of that verse. Years later, during a Denver Broncos playoff victory, a series of unusual statistics seemed to center around the number 316, bringing renewed attention to the gospel message found in John 3:16.

While those events captured public attention, the real significance is not the athlete, the statistics, or even the publicity. The significance is the message itself:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NLT)

That verse serves as the launching point for a new study I am calling The 3:16s of the Bible.

The Great Titles of Jesus Through the 3:16s

Throughout Scripture, many verses ending in “3:16” reveal important truths about the person and work of Christ.

• John 3:16 — Jesus the Great High Priest
• Exodus 3:16 — Jesus the Great Deliverer
• Luke 3:16 — Jesus the Great Baptizer
• 1 Corinthians 3:16 — Jesus the Great Temple
• 2 Timothy 3:16 — Jesus the Great Word
• 1 John 3:16 — Jesus the Great Sacrifice
• Hebrews 4:16 — Jesus the Great High Priest
• Revelation 3:16 — Jesus the Great Judge
• Proverbs 3:16 — Jesus the Great Wisdom
• Psalm 3 (the Shepherd theme) — Jesus the Great Shepherd

Today we begin by focusing on one of the most comforting and encouraging truths in all of Scripture: Jesus is our Great High Priest.

Nicodemus and the Need for New Birth

John 3 records the nighttime conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and religious leader.

Nicodemus possessed knowledge, influence, and religious devotion. Yet Jesus made it clear that religion alone could not save him.

Jesus told him:

“You must be born again.” (John 3:7)

The message was revolutionary then, and it remains revolutionary today. Salvation is not achieved through good works, church attendance, family heritage, or religious tradition. Salvation comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

That truth culminates in the most quoted verse in the Bible, John 3:16, where we discover God’s love demonstrated through the gift of His Son.

Jesus: Our Great High Priest

While John 3 reveals the necessity of salvation, Hebrews 4 reveals the sufficiency of our Savior.

The writer of Hebrews presents Jesus as superior to every priest who served under the Old Covenant. Unlike earthly priests, Jesus is perfect, sinless, eternal, and able to save completely.

Hebrews 4:14–16 declares:

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe… So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

What a powerful promise.

Because Jesus is our High Priest:

• We do not need another mediator.
• We do not depend upon a pastor, priest, or church leader to bring us to God.
• We can approach God’s throne directly through Christ.
• We receive mercy for our failures and grace for our needs.

The beauty of the gospel is that Jesus not only died for us—He continues to intercede for us.

Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that He understands our struggles:

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.”

Jesus knows our temptations, our fears, our disappointments, and our pain. He is not distant from our struggles. He is present in them.

The Suffering Savior of Psalm 22

The role of Jesus as High Priest becomes even more meaningful when we consider the price He paid for our redemption.

Psalm 22 is one of the clearest Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament. Written centuries before Christ’s birth, it vividly describes details later fulfilled at the crucifixion.

The psalm opens with words Jesus Himself quoted from the cross:

“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)

Among the most striking statements in the chapter is Psalm 22:6:

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned and despised by all.”

The Hebrew word translated “worm” is tola’at. While it simply refers to a worm, it is also associated with the crimson or scarlet worm from which red dye was obtained in the ancient world.

Throughout Scripture, scarlet becomes a powerful symbol of sacrifice, cleansing, and redemption.

We see scarlet:

• In the Tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 26)
• In the priestly garments
• In Rahab’s scarlet cord (Joshua 2)
• In Isaiah’s promise: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18)

These images point us toward Christ.

The suffering Savior described in Psalm 22 was mocked, rejected, pierced, and humiliated. He willingly endured shame so that sinners could experience forgiveness.

The scarlet imagery reminds us that redemption came at a great cost. Jesus poured out His life so that we might receive eternal life.

Our Great High Priest and Redeemer

The message of Scripture is wonderfully clear.

Jesus is not only the sacrifice.

He is also the High Priest who offers the sacrifice.

He is not only the Lamb of God.

He is also the Mediator between God and humanity.

He is not only the Savior who died.

He is the risen Lord who intercedes for His people today.

Because of His finished work on the cross, we can come boldly before God’s throne, confident that mercy and grace await us there.

Preparing Our Hearts for Communion

As we approach the Lord’s Table, we remember the One who suffered for us, died for us, rose again for us, and now intercedes for us.

The bread reminds us of His broken body.

The cup reminds us of His shed blood.

The Great High Priest became the perfect sacrifice so that we might be forgiven, reconciled to God, and welcomed into His presence forever.

What a Savior.

What a Redeemer.

What a Great High Priest.

Reflecting further on this particular message, I’m reminded of what the solve this declared, and what was echoed by Jesus from the cross. Beyond the expression of Jesus, asking the question about why he was forsaken by his father, David in Psalm 22:6 says that he was but a worm. 

The Hebrew translation of this is a scarlet worm. It is what is used to make red dye. But the irony of this is that while it is a color woven through the priestly gown and also displayed in the tabernacle with the curtain that separated the holiest part of the Temple, it is further displayed through Christ hanging on the cross. His shed blood, like the scarlet worm, stained the wood. 

The worm would climb an oak branch, which is like a bush size and would die after attaching itself to the wood. Having laid her eggs, as the larvae would come to life, they would feed off of her blood. The red stain would remain on the wood. It was her life given that provided for the life of her young.

The symbol is apparent. Jesus died on a cross to give us life spiritually.

Blessed to Be a Blessing Blessed by God to Be a Witness

Evidence of a Spirit-Filled Life

Galatians 5:16–26 (Focus on Verses 22–23)
By Pastor Rick Carder

Introduction: Blessed for a Purpose

As we conclude our series, Blessed to Be a Blessing, it is important for us to recognize that God has chosen to bless us not only for our own benefit, but also for the good of others. The Christian life was never intended to be self-centered. God pours His Spirit into our lives so that His love, grace, and truth can overflow into the lives of those around us.

Last week, we reflected on Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit upon believers. Pentecost was not merely a historical event—it marked the beginning of God’s empowering presence within His people. The Holy Spirit did not come simply to inspire emotion or religious excitement. The Spirit came to transform believers into witnesses for Christ.

The evidence of the Holy Spirit within us is seen not only in what we say, but in how we live.

I. The Spirit Gives Boldness

The Spirit of God changes our very nature. Some may describe themselves as naturally shy, reserved, or hesitant, but when the Holy Spirit works within a believer, boldness begins to emerge.

Acts 1:8 reminds us of Jesus’ promise:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” — Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people to speak and live boldly for Christ.

The website Got Questions explains the meaning behind the word “witnesses” in Acts 1:8:

“The Greek word translated as ‘witnesses’ is martyres, which primarily conveys the idea of someone testifying at court. The English word martyr comes from the same Greek word. Christ’s witnesses testified through suffering and were willing to die.”

The disciples had personally witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ. They spent forty days learning from Him after His resurrection. As a result, they became bold witnesses to the world.

In the same way, believers today are called to testify about Jesus through both our words and our conduct. Christianity is not simply something we believe privately—it is something we live publicly.

II. The Spirit Gives Gifts

The Holy Spirit also gives spiritual gifts to believers. These gifts are uniquely distributed according to God’s will for the strengthening and equipping of the Church.

God has gifted each believer differently. Some teach. Some encourage. Some serve. Some lead. Some show mercy. These gifts are not given for self-promotion, but for ministry.

When spiritual gifts are neglected, however, believers can become spiritually inactive. Gifts that are never exercised may become dormant and ineffective.

God never intended His people to sit on the sidelines. Spirit-filled believers are called to actively use their gifts to serve others and glorify Christ.

III. The Spirit Gives a Burden for Others

The Holy Spirit also creates within believers a sensitivity toward the needs of others—especially those who do not yet know Christ.

As we grow closer to God, we begin to care about the things that matter to Him. We become aware of brokenness, loneliness, suffering, and spiritual lostness. A burden for the lost develops within us because the heart of God begins to shape our own hearts.

Spirit-filled believers cannot remain indifferent toward people who need hope. The Holy Spirit compels us toward compassion, witness, hospitality, and service.

IV. The Spirit Produces Fruit

Perhaps the greatest evidence of a Spirit-filled life is not merely the exercise of spiritual gifts, but the production of spiritual fruit.

There has often been debate regarding the outward evidence of the Holy Spirit. Some point primarily to spiritual gifts as proof of God’s activity. While gifts certainly reveal God working through individuals, Scripture also teaches that the universal evidence of the Spirit is found in transformed character.

Paul addresses this contrast in Galatians 5 by comparing the sinful life with the fruitful life.

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” — Galatians 5:16 (NLT)

Paul explains the ongoing battle within every believer:

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants… These two forces are constantly fighting each other.” — Galatians 5:17

Yet believers are called to walk in step with the Spirit:

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” — Galatians 5:25

Paul then describes the fruit of the Spirit:

• Love
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Faithfulness
• Gentleness
• Self-control

These are not separate spiritual options to pick and choose from. Together, they form the evidence of a transformed life.

A Spirit-filled believer should increasingly reflect these qualities in daily life, relationships, service, and witness.

Fruit That Changes Lives

One powerful illustration of this principle comes from the book The Simple Truth of Service and the story of “Jonny the Bagger.” Jonny worked as a grocery bagger but decided to intentionally encourage customers by placing uplifting messages into every grocery bag.

His simple act of kindness transformed the atmosphere of the store. Other employees began serving customers differently. Morale improved. Customers returned. One act of genuine care created a ripple effect.

This challenges us as believers.

How do we treat guests?
How do we treat neighbors?
How do we treat one another?

People are often impacted more deeply by radical love and hospitality than by arguments or theological debates alone.

Many churches may believe the same doctrines we believe. Even Scripture says that demons believe in God. Knowledge alone is not enough.

It is our actions—our love, kindness, humility, and compassion—that often change people’s hearts.

As Christians, and especially within the Wesleyan tradition, we believe the Holy Spirit works within believers to produce holy living and Christlike love.

Quotations & Reflections

A.W. Tozer once wrote:

“If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95% of what we do would go on and nobody would know the difference.”

That statement should challenge every believer and every church.

Are we truly dependent upon the Holy Spirit, or have we become dependent upon routine and programs?

The old hymn writer George Croly expressed this prayer beautifully:

“Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.”

Bearing Fruit That Lasts

Jesus Himself warned about the danger of fruitlessness.

In John 15, Jesus describes branches that bear no fruit as wasted material:

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” — John 15:2

God desires His people to bear fruit—not only inward spiritual growth, but outward evidence seen in how we love and serve others.

The question for every believer is this:

Are we bearing witness through the fruit of our lives?

Final Encouragement

Pentecost was not the conclusion of God’s work. It was the beginning.

The Holy Spirit still empowers ordinary believers to become extraordinary witnesses for Jesus Christ.

God blesses us so that we may become a blessing to others. We are called to walk in the Spirit, live with boldness, serve with our gifts, care deeply for others, and bear fruit that points people toward Christ.

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” — Galatians 5:25

We are truly blessed to be a blessing.

Blessed to Be a Blessing Being Blessed by God Through the Holy Spirit

Pentecost Sunday Sermon Study & Article

Prepared for Pastor Rick Carder

Introduction: Pentecost and the Promise of Power

Pentecost was one of the great Jewish feast days celebrated fifty days after Passover. Jews from many nations gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Weeks, a harvest festival remembering God’s provision and faithfulness.

Yet in Acts 2, God transformed Pentecost from merely a harvest celebration into the birth of the Church.

The Holy Spirit descended upon believers with power, fire, boldness, and purpose. Pentecost became the moment when ordinary believers were empowered to become extraordinary witnesses for Jesus Christ.

The work of the Holy Spirit was never intended merely for emotional experience or personal blessing alone. God blesses His people so they may become a blessing to others.

The Spirit empowers believers to witness, serve, encourage, love, and proclaim the Gospel.

Key Theme

We are blessed by God through the Holy Spirit so that we may become witnesses to the world.

A Church Rooted in Revival

Our General Church gathered recently to elect leadership and discuss theology, mission, and policy. Delegates from around the world gathered together in unity to affirm holiness and the mission of the Church.

Historically, the Wesleyan movement was not simply considered a denomination, but a “connection” of believers committed to revival, discipleship, evangelism, and holy living.

Our roots trace back to John Wesley and the revivalist movement that emphasized both personal transformation and practical discipleship.

John Wesley himself experienced this transforming power of God. On May 24, 1738, while attending a Moravian society meeting on Aldersgate Street in London, Wesley famously described his heart as being “strangely warmed” as he listened to a reading from Martin Luther’s Preface to the Epistle to the Romans.

That moment became a defining point not only in Wesley’s life, but in the spiritual movement that would impact countless believers around the world.

Theme Verse

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me...” — Acts 1:8 (KJV)

Foundational Scriptures

Acts 1:8 — The Promise of Power

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come upon His followers and empower them to become witnesses.

Acts 2:1–4 — The Arrival of the Holy Spirit

Pentecost marks both the birth of the Church and the empowerment of believers.

The Historical Meaning of Pentecost

Originally, Pentecost celebrated harvest, thanksgiving, God’s provision, and the giving of the Law. In Acts 2, however, God writes His law upon hearts and gathers a spiritual harvest through the Holy Spirit.

Illustration: The Balloon

Imagine a balloon sitting empty.

• By itself, the balloon appears useless.
• The balloon serves a purpose when used as designed.
• The balloon must be filled to become useful.
• Once filled, the balloon brings joy and purpose.

In much the same way, believers are designed to be filled by God.

In holiness language, we are emptied of self and surrendered to God so that He may fill us through His Spirit.

Part One — The Promise and Purpose of Pentecost

I. Pentecost Was Promised

The coming of the Holy Spirit was not accidental. It was promised long before Pentecost ever arrived.

Joel 2:28–29 declares:

“I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh...”

At Pentecost, people initially thought the disciples were drunk because they heard them speaking in languages they could understand.

Peter stood and boldly declared that Joel’s prophecy was being fulfilled.

The Spirit would no longer rest only upon kings, prophets, or priests. Instead:

• Sons and daughters
• Young and old
• Men and women

…would all receive the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

This reveals the inclusive mission of God.

Andrew Murray once wrote:

“The Spirit-filled life is a life of faith in Jesus Christ, trusting Him for the fulfilling of His own promise.”

II. Pentecost Was Powerful

The power of God was unmistakably on display at Pentecost.

The Greek word often associated with this power is dunamis, meaning power, strength, force, or ability. It is the root of English words such as dynamic, dynamo, and dynamite.

Pentecost was more than emotion—it was divine empowerment.

The Holy Spirit was poured out so believers could boldly testify about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Everything in the Christian life ultimately points toward God’s purpose.

Purpose gives meaning to life in Christ.

Acts 2 reveals God’s desire to redeem and reconcile humanity to Himself through the work of the Holy Spirit.

One fascinating aspect of Pentecost is the miracle of languages, often called glossolalia. At Babel, God scattered humanity through the confusion of languages. At Pentecost, the Spirit brought people together as they heard the Gospel proclaimed in their own languages.

Pentecost demonstrates God’s desire to unite people through Christ.

A little humor reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously:

“What do you call someone with no body and no nose? Nobody knows!”

III. Pentecost Was Purposeful

God purposely established the Church for His glory and for the witness of the Gospel throughout the world.

Jesus explained this mission before Pentecost ever arrived.

John 16:13 says:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth...”

Jesus told His disciples that although He would leave physically, the Holy Spirit would come to dwell within believers continually.

Jesus limited Himself temporarily to a physical body, but through the Holy Spirit His presence would remain with believers forever.

E. Stanley Jones wisely said:

“Unless the Holy Spirit fills, the human spirit fails.”

How often do we attempt to live spiritually while running on empty?

Just like a vehicle cannot run without fuel, believers cannot effectively live for Christ apart from the filling of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus then entrusted His mission to His disciples.

John 16:14 declares:

“He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.”

The Holy Spirit continues to reveal God’s truth, purpose, and calling to believers today.

Pentecost was not the conclusion of God’s work. It was the beginning.

The Meaning of Pentecost Today

Pentecost marks:

• The birth of the Church
• The fulfillment of prophecy
• The empowerment of believers
• The beginning of Gospel expansion

Acts 2 also reminds us that the early Christians gathered together regularly for worship, fellowship, and encouragement.

The same Spirit who empowered the early Church still empowers believers today.

Final Encouragement

The Holy Spirit still calls ordinary people to extraordinary lives of witness, service, holiness, and love.

God blesses us through His Spirit so that we may become a blessing to others.

May we continue to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit and allow God to use our lives for His glory.

“Pentecost was not the conclusion of God’s work. It was the beginning.”