That I myself may be in them

John 17:20–26 NIV

“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. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—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. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Jesus had a burden for future disciples

The cross loomed large

The mission came into focus

Seeing the future his goal was changed lives

God still wants more people to be saved

God still sees beyond the moment today

2 Peter 3:9 NIV

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Just like it did for those first disciples, this sets our agenda today. Not having things the way we want. Not matching our own desires for music or methods. Not necessarily having lots of church savings. At some point the call is for us to lay some things on the line to see people saved.

It was exciting Wednesday night to hear people pledge to step up and sacrifice and serve to see Dinner Church become an outreach. I’m pretty sure God was smiling big also. I know it lifted my burden a bit to see a church excited and willing to make a way for others to find food for their basic needs and the hope of Jesus for their lives.

Some of us get spooked when we think of how much it might cost or how much work it will involve. But it’s not on us, folks. This is not our mission. This is God’s mission. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He invented time and energy. He created this world and is working daily to make all things new again. That starts with people! You. Me. and just like Jesus said: those who will believe in me through their message...

Jesus prayed for our effectiveness

Jesus prayed for us! Isn’t that amazing? When we pray it makes a difference. When Jesus prayed it created a whole new possibility for the world. It’s sad that we’ve become side-tracked with politics and worldly power along the way. These are not what Jesus prayed we would ever have. He said my Kingdom isn’t of this world. It seems that what he meant by that is: His kingdom doesn’t look like earthly kingdoms. It’s about serving and loving and sacrificing for others. It’s about putting God first above all and the needs of others higher than we tend to do.

What Jesus did pray is that the message of our lives would lead others to believe in him. That’s not exactly the same as believing in a set of ideas. We could convince someone to believe in a set of ideas without their lives changing much. Some people will more naturally believe in similar ideas. Does that mean they are like Jesus already? Maybe, maybe not. Folks, we have for too long judged people how they dress and talk and how available they are on Sunday morning. But what if Jesus has a different set of priorities?

He want’s people to believe in Him first. Then, he has big plans for their lives. Then, they learn about new values, but they also may stretch us to think differently and at times that may be God speaking. Loving out neighbor doesn’t mean agreeing with our neighbor. But it also doesn’t mean judging our neighbor or failing to know our neighbor.

But we can come to the place where we let our fears go and we simply trust God. Jesus prayed for us! Jesus is interceding for us now! Why would we doubt him and try to make things work apart from His power? His prayer was for our effectiveness at helping others come to faith. There’s only one way for that prayer to be answered...

Jesus still empowers us to make disciples

I believe the prayer of Jesus opens doors even today.

The block party is one way to meet our neighbors. That should be our first goal. But the higher purpose is to love our neighbors. God is creative and we can be creative. Dinner Church and our monthly fellowship meal is a way to do that also.

But understand it is Jesus who is empowering us. If we aren’t making new disciples then we need to re-examine how we are spending our time and energy and money. But Jesus is the one who provides, who gives wisdom and direction and who adds the increase. Let our faith be not in any program or method but in the living God who made us and loves us and is restoring all things!

Let’s come to Him, just as we are, with open hands and hearts to receive all that he has for us and to receive the mission he gave to us.

Communion.