John 17:20-26 (NRSV)
Read John 17:20-26 on biblegateway.com
Verse 20"I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, Verse 21that they may all be one. As you, Father, 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. Verse 22The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, Verse 23I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Verse 24Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Verse 25"Righteous Father, the world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have sent me. Verse 26I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."
Devotion
Jesus is risen!—Now what? Now—reconciliation.
Ever wonder if the Bible really has anything to do with you? Check out today's reading from John 17. Jesus is praying not only for his followers who are in the room with him, but also for "those who will believe in me through their word." And who are you but someone who believes in Jesus because of the words of his followers? Jesus is praying for you! For you, and for all who have followed and are following and will follow him.
Specifically, Jesus prays that all his followers would be one—as close to one another and to God as Jesus himself is. Depending on how your day—or week or year or life—is going, this might seem impossible. Connection with community? Unity with God? Would God even want to be reconciled to us? In Jesus we get our answer—a resounding yes! Jesus' resurrection clears the way for our reunion. Jesus is risen!—Now what? Now—reconciliation.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, your resurrection assures us that reconciliation is always possible, and has already happened between us and God. Make us your hands and feet in welcoming others into relationships as well. Amen.