To whom was God's only begotten Son given in John 3:16?
In John 3:16 God gave His only begotten Son to the nation of Israel. Although the verse speaks of God's love for the world, the context ties the giving of the Son to Israel, for He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.
Les teaches that Isaiah 9:6, 'unto us a son is given,' is tied to John 3:16, where God gave His only begotten Son. He asks to whom the Son was given and answers: to the nation of Israel. John confirms this, saying, 'He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.' Les stresses never losing sight that Christ in His first coming came to the nation of Israel. The government shall be upon His shoulder, and He is named Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
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.
More Questions
Why does Les tie Isaiah 9:6 to John 3:16?
Les connects Isaiah 9:6 with John 3:16 because both passages speak of a Son being given by God.
What does 'unto us a son is given' in Isaiah 9:6 mean for understanding John 3:16?
In Isaiah 9:6, God gave His Son to 'us'—the people of Israel—as the Messiah through covenant promises, not because they deserved it; this is the same giving referred to in John 3:16.