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Read: John 17:20-23
Listen: John 17

“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:21

Jesus stepped into a politically charged world. The Roman Empire occupied and ruled Israel. The Jewish people were divided in their approach. Some cozied up to the Romans, while others attempted to overthrow their rule. Jesus, the God-man, arrives and begins to talk about his own kingdom. But his kingdom is different. It’s a spiritual kingdom focused on restoring a relationship with God. It will dramatically change the world, not with political power, but by changing hearts.

Over the next four weeks, we’re in a sermon series called “Politics and Unity.” We’ll be taking lessons from Jesus and the early Christians on how to act during our politically charged season. How we act matters because Jesus cares about his church and how we treat each other. As the series begins, there are some hopes we have for the series. First, that no matter how you plan to vote in this election, Ada Bible is a place for you. You are welcome and wanted in our church. Second, that we’d see politics through the lens of Jesus and not Jesus through the lens of our politics. Third, that we’d become more genuinely curious about why Jesus followers have different political views. Fourth, that we would invite God to challenge and change us through this series. Fifth, that this series would bond us together as a church during this political season.

TODAY: Begin the week by asking God to challenge and change you through this series. Thank him for his love, and ask him to open your heart to what he has for you through this series.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Jeremiah 14-15. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider how Jesus is our Savior.