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

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 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 17:20-21

Jesus and his disciples begin their ministry in a highly-charged political atmosphere. The Romans occupy Israel. In response, Jews are scattered across the political spectrum. Some make money as tax collectors for the Romans. Others would love to see a violent overthrow of the regime. These opposing views are found not just in the country as a whole but also in the small group of Jesus’s disciples.

Political differences also exist at Ada Bible Church. In our current series, “Politics and Unity,” Pastor Aaron Buer has five hopes. 1) That no matter who we vote for, we feel welcome at Ada. 2) That we see politics through the lens of Jesus and not the other way around. 3) That we become genuinely curious about why a fellow Christian holds different political beliefs. 4) That we invite God to challenge us and change our politics. 5) That the words of Jesus bind us together as a church during this political season. These goals are important because Jesus stakes his reputation on the church and how we get along with each other.

TODAY: Slowly read Pastor Aaron’s five goals again. Then, pray these five goals for yourself and the church.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Jeremiah 26-27. Highlight anything that points to Jesus.