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Read: John 17:23
Listen: John 17

“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:23

Jesus says something astounding in his prayer: the unity of the church shows the world that God the Father sent Jesus. Jesus’s message is about reconciliation. It is first about restoring a right relationship between people and God. Sin separates us from God, and we need someone to serve as our reconciler. In his death, Jesus paid the penalty for sin that we cannot pay and restored us to God. The gospel is a bridge, restoring people’s relationship with God.

But that’s not all he did. Jesus also makes a way for us to live in restoration with each other and experience unity. The gospel doesn’t just reconcile us and God. It reconciles us to others. The Gospel acts as a sledgehammer breaking down dividing walls between believers (Ephesians 2:14). Men and women. Black and white. Rich and poor. Liberal and conservative (and third parties). Because of what Jesus did, we can live in restored relationships even with those with whom we disagree.

TODAY: In your journal, reflect on how you represent Jesus and the Gospel. Think about your actions around politics. Consider how you talk about others who disagree with you, what you post on social media and what you say about other Christians. Confess anything God reveals. Ask God to help you reflect him well to the world around you.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Jeremiah 30-32. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider how, through the Holy Spirit, God has now written his word on our hearts.