Devotionals for March 19, 2024

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John 17:20-23
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,

21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,

23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

God is already in the process of changing the world. The gospel is the proclamation of a world reclaimed for good, the beginning of the restoration of the original good creation from its fallen state. The life that flows from the empty tomb, the very life of the risen Christ, is to spread to all creation until there is no more death, decay, and chaos. Amazingly, Christ has chosen us to participate in this restorative project. We are to be ambassadors of this kingdom of heaven that will one day rule, thwarting all earthly and evil kingdoms. Entrance into the kingdom of God is not just about salvation from judgment, but about the task of being co-laborers with Christ in his project of world-restoring. Thus, unity is very important. A church divided, like any kingdom, cannot stand. Jesus wanted the unity of the church to be such that it served as evangelism itself. When we strive for unity with each other, in thought, deed, and heart, we answer the prayer of our High Priest.

Q: Who is Jesus praying about?

Q: What does unity, true biblical unity, look, sound, and feel like?

Q: How does this passage impact discipleship?

"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

Lord, help us to be Kingdom people. Help us to join in on your saving project! Help us live in a way that magnifies your name! Amen.