S (Scripture): John 17:25 Jesus prayed, “Righteous Father, even if the world does not know you, I know you, and these men know that you sent me. 26 I made known your name to them, and I will continue to make it known, so that the love you have loved me with may be in them, and I may be in them.”
O (Observation): Jesus saw his union with God as something that gave him his identity. He knew who he was because he was one with God. He was so in line with God’s will and submitted so fully to God that he was limited only by his human form (and even then, he did some human things in a divine way).
In his union with God, Jesus knew the love of God. He was given this love and he passed it on to the disciples mentioned in the text above.
Jesus’ vision was to love the WHOLE world. Yet his modus operandi was to truly show love to a few, first. This love was sacrificial in nature, lived out in humility, faithfulness, and under a huge umbrella of grace. He taught the disciples how to lead and love and care. Through this mentorship and guidance, Jesus revolutionized the way forward. He literally showed them the way – Love God, Love Neighbor.
Love and mercy would guide God’s people. Loving people through their doubts and faith struggles was the way forward. This is how it was always supposed to be, but as God’s people, we go through a steady cycle of getting things wrong, and understanding that God pulls us back in – time and time again.
And so, Jesus looks for God’s love to guide the disciples forward, that generations upon generations might learn this way forward…so that ultimately, the whole world would experience God’s love and mercy and grace.
A (Application): All this talk of being “in”someone is a bit confusing, because we don’t normally talk like this. But the language we do know is coach / athlete, teacher / student, mentor / mentee.
Jesus was showing his disciples the way forward. The road would be rocky, but humility (not vengeance) would be key. The path would not always be straight, but forgiveness would help people grow together when they didn’t see eye to eye.
Jesus didn’t only talk about the way forward, he lived it out. He demonstrated the way forward. And maybe most importantly, he prayed for his followers…and their followers…and their followers….which means that Jesus prayed for you and for me.
How awesome.
P (Prayer): Lord, keep on praying! We need it : )
Thanks! Amen!
Digging Daily with Pastor Michael 