WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.700 All right, good morning. 00:00:05.139 --> 00:00:12.080 Okay, we're completing our mini-series on Jesus' high priestly prayer of John chapter 17. 00:00:12.419 --> 00:00:19.460 So if you've got a Bible, whether it be an app or a real hard copy, please turn open to John chapter 17. 00:00:20.519 --> 00:00:25.339 As I said, it's the finish of the series, so it's the last six verses, verses 20 to 26. 00:00:25.339 --> 00:00:34.480 Up to this point, as we've been going through the series, we've found that Jesus has been praying from the perspective of the big picture. 00:00:35.359 --> 00:00:39.019 He prays, glorify me at the very beginning. 00:00:40.039 --> 00:00:47.320 He asked God to glorify him, and as we discovered in that, what he was really praying for was that God would actually glorify him at the cross. 00:00:47.439 --> 00:00:50.039 That was where his glory would be most evident to us. 00:00:50.980 --> 00:00:53.980 The hour for which he had come was that hour. 00:00:55.340 --> 00:00:56.900 So he prays, glorify me. 00:00:57.720 --> 00:01:04.460 And then with his disciples present, he turns his prayer to them, and he prays for his disciples, sanctify them. 00:01:05.820 --> 00:01:14.900 He asks the Father to sanctify his disciples, to set them apart from the world, but within the world, and to actually go out into the world. 00:01:14.900 --> 00:01:18.820 And as they do that, he asks that the Father will keep them. 00:01:21.620 --> 00:01:28.940 The implication is that this is his will, and that this will have an impact. 00:01:28.939 --> 00:01:33.899 As these people go out into the world, something will happen as a result. 00:01:33.900 --> 00:01:42.540 And now Jesus gets personal, and I say personal for a couple of reasons, but one of them is that he's actually talking about me and you, 00:01:43.020 --> 00:01:50.140 and the other is that he's actually becoming much more personal in his language, in the way that he's engaging with who he's praying for. 00:01:50.140 --> 00:02:01.960 And he gets personal in a revolutionary way, because here he prays, not me, them, but us. 00:02:03.019 --> 00:02:04.659 Unify us. 00:02:05.700 --> 00:02:08.599 He asks the Father to unify us. 00:02:09.020 --> 00:02:11.159 And by us, I don't just mean us here present. 00:02:11.159 --> 00:02:16.699 I mean all of us, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and us. 00:02:18.479 --> 00:02:24.879 Not just Christian with Christian, but Christian with Christian, with Father, with Son, with Holy Spirit. 00:02:27.099 --> 00:02:37.000 So as we consider this, it's an amazing thing, the degree of personality that Jesus goes to at this point. 00:02:37.000 --> 00:02:43.300 Let's just think about how that's actually panned out in our society this week. 00:02:43.479 --> 00:02:47.939 Bo's already talked about Tower of Babel, which was several thousand years ago. 00:02:48.740 --> 00:02:50.099 Just think about this week. 00:02:50.780 --> 00:02:58.520 How good are we at actually promoting unity within our society, within our families? 00:03:00.099 --> 00:03:01.939 Even our families, my goodness. 00:03:02.680 --> 00:03:03.520 Within our church. 00:03:03.780 --> 00:03:04.939 How good are we at doing that? 00:03:04.939 --> 00:03:14.840 I think it's quite an interesting thing that we actually, the more we desire unity, the more we seem to be able to define how different we are. 00:03:16.060 --> 00:03:23.500 And yet it's so difficult and so elusive it is for us to actually discover the reality of that unity, actually live in unity. 00:03:24.759 --> 00:03:25.379 Have you noticed that? 00:03:25.520 --> 00:03:30.079 There's this theory called intersectionalism, which is a really interesting theory. 00:03:30.080 --> 00:03:40.160 It's a kind of a, I guess you call it neo-Marxist theory, that actually really is helpful at getting a sense of where we're different, 00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:47.680 where divisions occur, and the power imbalance that actually creates those divisions and sustains them. 00:03:48.640 --> 00:03:54.860 But one of the really interesting things I've been finding as I've been reading it is that even as we get better at understanding 00:03:54.860 --> 00:04:04.420 our lack of unity, our lack of unity, we still struggle to move from that point to actually producing unity. 00:04:05.220 --> 00:04:07.300 We just don't seem to be able to do it. 00:04:08.040 --> 00:04:15.160 And it takes one virus for it to be every man for himself in the toilet paper aisle. 00:04:15.840 --> 00:04:17.040 Have you noticed that? 00:04:17.040 --> 00:04:19.379 One thing. 00:04:20.720 --> 00:04:25.240 And boom, we suddenly break down into our constituent parts, don't we? 00:04:25.660 --> 00:04:27.140 So easily and so readily. 00:04:29.220 --> 00:04:37.259 So perhaps we should get some sort of sense into how we actually find unity by just looking at what Jesus even does, 00:04:37.320 --> 00:04:39.720 which is to actually pray to the Father for unity. 00:04:41.120 --> 00:04:45.379 He doesn't turn into himself or turn to an interesting or new philosophy. 00:04:45.379 --> 00:04:49.879 He turns to a person and he asks for it. 00:04:50.480 --> 00:04:53.379 Let's follow the passage through and see how that unfolds. 00:04:54.439 --> 00:04:55.719 See, Jesus prays at the beginning. 00:04:56.500 --> 00:04:59.019 We get a sense of who he's praying for in verse 20. 00:04:59.600 --> 00:05:02.639 He actually says that he's praying for those who will believe. 00:05:03.480 --> 00:05:05.420 I'll read that verse out, verse 20. 00:05:06.100 --> 00:05:12.199 I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word. 00:05:12.199 --> 00:05:16.819 Jesus has just prayed for his disciples that he's sending out. 00:05:16.920 --> 00:05:17.599 Remember, I've just said that. 00:05:17.939 --> 00:05:20.379 And he absolutely expects there to be a response. 00:05:20.740 --> 00:05:23.019 And so he prays for those who he knows will believe in him. 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:27.099 This belief will come through their word. 00:05:27.800 --> 00:05:31.519 Their word is their testimony about Jesus' life and teaching. 00:05:31.899 --> 00:05:35.839 But remember, they're not very quick to understand what Jesus is talking about. 00:05:35.839 --> 00:05:40.479 It's been coming all the way through this whole upper room, this meal, this last meal together. 00:05:41.019 --> 00:05:45.299 These guys, they don't seem to be like the sharpest tool in the shed at this point. 00:05:47.659 --> 00:05:49.339 On their own, they didn't understand. 00:05:51.159 --> 00:05:56.239 This testimony that they've passed down is based on the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. 00:05:56.279 --> 00:05:59.259 And you can read about that in John 15, 26 to 27. 00:05:59.359 --> 00:06:00.919 It's something Jesus said at this meal table. 00:06:00.920 --> 00:06:04.680 Through the Spirit, they would remember what Jesus said. 00:06:06.720 --> 00:06:09.660 They would understand what Jesus did. 00:06:11.540 --> 00:06:15.379 And we are those who have heard and believed their testimony. 00:06:15.900 --> 00:06:23.360 Those whom the Father chose, sanctified by the Father through those who believed before us, 00:06:23.460 --> 00:06:25.080 as Gareth taught with the kids about. 00:06:25.780 --> 00:06:28.600 This message has been passed down and handed down. 00:06:28.600 --> 00:06:37.800 So as Jesus lifts his hands to heaven and prays, he prays for us. 00:06:39.020 --> 00:06:40.000 For you. 00:06:41.600 --> 00:06:46.420 He knew even then that it would be you sitting here today. 00:06:48.340 --> 00:06:49.379 Think about that. 00:06:49.379 --> 00:06:56.339 I mean, when we pray alone or as a family or as a small group, in our small groups, 00:06:56.879 --> 00:06:59.659 we're praying for the people around us that we love, aren't we? 00:07:00.259 --> 00:07:01.540 We know their needs. 00:07:02.740 --> 00:07:04.600 And we pray for them personally. 00:07:06.800 --> 00:07:09.300 In the words of this gospel that John's recorded, 00:07:10.139 --> 00:07:14.079 Jesus is praying personally for us. 00:07:14.079 --> 00:07:21.659 Imagine yourself huddled around in that group and hearing these words. 00:07:23.039 --> 00:07:25.139 So what does Jesus pray for? 00:07:26.719 --> 00:07:27.659 In a word? 00:07:28.699 --> 00:07:29.219 Unity. 00:07:30.819 --> 00:07:34.199 That we will be one like God. 00:07:36.459 --> 00:07:37.839 That's one aspect of it. 00:07:37.839 --> 00:07:42.479 And the second aspect of this unity is that we will be together. 00:07:43.779 --> 00:07:45.759 So let's have a look at that as it unfolds in the passage. 00:07:45.879 --> 00:07:48.639 That's roughly the passage splits into two halves like that. 00:07:48.859 --> 00:07:50.159 One like God and together. 00:07:50.679 --> 00:07:53.079 So in verse 21, we look at the oneness aspect. 00:07:54.099 --> 00:07:54.979 Jesus prays this. 00:07:56.120 --> 00:07:58.479 He prays that they might all be one, 00:07:59.299 --> 00:08:02.199 just as you, Father, are in me and I in you. 00:08:02.199 --> 00:08:04.719 That they also may be in us, 00:08:04.920 --> 00:08:07.360 so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 00:08:10.120 --> 00:08:12.879 Can you see some of the nuances of oneness 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:14.120 that are actually coming out here? 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:18.399 The first one is one like God. 00:08:19.620 --> 00:08:21.439 Jesus prays that we will be one. 00:08:22.599 --> 00:08:25.779 One like the Father and the Son are one. 00:08:27.860 --> 00:08:28.839 I've got to say at this point, 00:08:28.919 --> 00:08:31.360 we're diving into a mystery that's so profound it may be confusing. 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:33.919 I mean, I get some of these things done already. 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:36.659 Last week we've looked at election and predestination. 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:38.740 This week I'm actually getting the chance 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:41.139 to dive into the mystery that is the Trinity. 00:08:42.620 --> 00:08:44.740 One God, three persons. 00:08:46.399 --> 00:08:47.560 What the heck does that mean? 00:08:49.399 --> 00:08:52.200 Well, I've got to say that in a sense we don't fully get it 00:08:52.200 --> 00:08:54.120 and we'll need eternity to contemplate it. 00:08:54.560 --> 00:08:56.740 We get eternity to contemplate it, which is great. 00:08:57.139 --> 00:08:58.560 But Jesus is saying here 00:08:58.559 --> 00:09:02.759 that we'll also experience something of it here and now. 00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:07.979 We are becoming and will be one with each other 00:09:07.979 --> 00:09:11.139 like the Father and the Son are one. 00:09:13.339 --> 00:09:15.619 No less than that as our template. 00:09:16.279 --> 00:09:18.119 One like God. 00:09:18.120 --> 00:09:21.159 That's an amazing thing. 00:09:22.700 --> 00:09:26.060 Now, let me try and say something 00:09:26.060 --> 00:09:28.659 that's at least a start at grasping what Jesus is meaning here. 00:09:29.460 --> 00:09:31.320 You see, the Father and the Son, if I was to describe them, 00:09:31.360 --> 00:09:34.940 the Father and the Son are distinguishable and inseparable. 00:09:36.700 --> 00:09:38.919 Distinguishable and inseparable. 00:09:40.820 --> 00:09:42.740 Distinguishable persons in the sense that we can see 00:09:42.740 --> 00:09:45.519 their distinctiveness, how they interact with each other 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:46.860 and in the world. 00:09:48.279 --> 00:09:52.960 Their mutual glorifying of each other, self-giving love. 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:58.960 They're distinguishable and they're inseparably one. 00:10:00.659 --> 00:10:04.819 So one that it is impossible to pull them apart. 00:10:06.879 --> 00:10:08.360 I think perhaps at this point we're meant to think 00:10:08.360 --> 00:10:11.620 of the marriage oneness that we read about 00:10:11.620 --> 00:10:13.360 in Genesis 2, verse 24. 00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:18.960 If you remember that, the man will leave his father and mother 00:10:18.960 --> 00:10:20.159 and the two will become one flesh. 00:10:20.779 --> 00:10:22.980 I think we're meant to kind of think of that sort of thing, 00:10:23.039 --> 00:10:26.560 that distinctiveness of the marriage relationship, 00:10:26.759 --> 00:10:29.879 serving one another, and our relationship in Christ 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:32.240 inseparably joining us together. 00:10:34.539 --> 00:10:37.300 Now, you know, I've preached a few times here now, 00:10:37.420 --> 00:10:39.560 and you know that occasionally I mention Joe, 00:10:39.700 --> 00:10:42.779 and perhaps some of you think I can't stop talking about her. 00:10:42.779 --> 00:10:44.720 But one of the things about marriage is this, 00:10:45.399 --> 00:10:47.740 that when you are actually one with someone, 00:10:48.379 --> 00:10:50.579 they are a huge part of your life. 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:52.539 You don't just step into a different place 00:10:52.539 --> 00:10:55.220 and feel like you're apart from them. 00:10:55.600 --> 00:10:58.639 There is an intimacy that you share in that relationship 00:10:58.639 --> 00:11:01.799 that you carry with you wherever you go. 00:11:01.799 --> 00:11:07.179 Well, I want to say to you this, 00:11:07.899 --> 00:11:13.699 that oneness is something that marrieds experience in part, 00:11:15.359 --> 00:11:18.079 but that married or single, 00:11:18.419 --> 00:11:22.779 we experience in its fullness in Christ. 00:11:23.779 --> 00:11:26.799 If you are single, you are not missing out on this promise. 00:11:26.799 --> 00:11:29.259 You get the real thing. 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:31.759 Marriage is like the sermon illustration 00:11:31.759 --> 00:11:33.859 that I so often use. 00:11:35.620 --> 00:11:38.359 The oneness that's being talked about here in Christ 00:11:38.359 --> 00:11:39.779 is the real thing. 00:11:41.539 --> 00:11:43.899 And it's something that we're expected to express 00:11:43.899 --> 00:11:45.599 as a community, a church community. 00:11:46.399 --> 00:11:47.919 One like God. 00:11:47.919 --> 00:11:50.620 The next point he goes on to make, 00:11:50.979 --> 00:11:52.120 which he really focuses on, 00:11:52.159 --> 00:11:53.539 it comes up in verse 21, 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:55.399 but he really focuses on in verse 22, 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:57.679 is that we're also one with God. 00:11:58.939 --> 00:12:00.259 Let me read verse 22 out. 00:12:01.099 --> 00:12:02.360 The glory that you have given me, 00:12:03.199 --> 00:12:04.259 I have given to them, 00:12:04.899 --> 00:12:06.259 that they may be one, 00:12:06.799 --> 00:12:07.979 even as we are one, 00:12:08.979 --> 00:12:09.679 I in them, 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:11.120 and you in me. 00:12:12.120 --> 00:12:14.799 It's the second time he speaks about being one. 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:18.539 Verse 21, verse 22, and verse 23, 00:12:18.679 --> 00:12:22.860 he repeats this desire for us to be one. 00:12:25.560 --> 00:12:26.639 So when we read these verses, 00:12:26.860 --> 00:12:30.000 what we discover is that we're saved to be one like God, 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:32.379 and we're saved to be one with God. 00:12:33.080 --> 00:12:34.759 The glory that Jesus shares with us 00:12:34.759 --> 00:12:37.200 is his completed work at the cross. 00:12:37.200 --> 00:12:39.519 We discover that in the first week of this series. 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:41.419 So three weeks ago, two weeks ago. 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:45.600 And remember that Jesus' prayer for himself was, 00:12:46.179 --> 00:12:47.240 glorify me. 00:12:48.439 --> 00:12:51.860 And here he's saying that we will share in that glory. 00:12:52.299 --> 00:12:52.980 In other words, 00:12:53.360 --> 00:12:56.539 we will experience the fruit of his saving work. 00:12:58.159 --> 00:13:01.879 In Christ, we are one with God. 00:13:02.639 --> 00:13:04.579 We are united so deeply and profoundly 00:13:04.579 --> 00:13:05.860 through Jesus at the cross 00:13:05.860 --> 00:13:10.379 that we are not just like the Father, 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:12.019 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 00:13:12.980 --> 00:13:14.659 Not just one like them, 00:13:15.480 --> 00:13:17.800 but one with the Father, 00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:20.399 the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 00:13:22.279 --> 00:13:23.539 Distinguishable, dare I say, 00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:27.460 distinguishable and inseparable from God. 00:13:27.460 --> 00:13:32.500 Not God, 00:13:33.220 --> 00:13:35.960 but distinguishable and inseparable from him. 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:39.100 And this is another truth 00:13:39.100 --> 00:13:40.100 that I can only imagine 00:13:40.100 --> 00:13:41.580 in terms of from lesser to greater. 00:13:41.700 --> 00:13:42.920 So to think of the relationships 00:13:42.920 --> 00:13:45.300 that I share with my friends and family, 00:13:45.960 --> 00:13:47.000 and to think beyond that, 00:13:47.040 --> 00:13:49.460 to realize that that is just a pale shadow 00:13:50.000 --> 00:13:52.360 of what Jesus is talking about here 00:13:52.360 --> 00:13:54.200 in terms of our relationship with God. 00:13:54.200 --> 00:13:59.259 Jesus' prayer 00:13:59.259 --> 00:14:01.879 is that we might experience this truth 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:02.980 in our lives together. 00:14:05.360 --> 00:14:07.020 It's an amazing thing. 00:14:10.740 --> 00:14:11.220 Finally, 00:14:12.360 --> 00:14:13.940 so we've had one like God, 00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:14.940 one with God, 00:14:15.180 --> 00:14:16.259 and the final point he makes 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:19.200 is that we are one for God. 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:21.980 A lot hangs on this. 00:14:22.259 --> 00:14:23.259 Jesus reveals in his prayer 00:14:23.259 --> 00:14:24.960 that our unity reveals his nature. 00:14:25.580 --> 00:14:26.759 He says in verse 23, 00:14:27.220 --> 00:14:28.580 I in them and you in me 00:14:28.580 --> 00:14:30.259 that they may become perfectly one 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:31.899 so that the world may know 00:14:31.899 --> 00:14:32.879 that you sent me 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:35.340 and love them even as you loved me. 00:14:36.059 --> 00:14:39.080 This unity is meant to be visible, 00:14:39.879 --> 00:14:42.139 not in our statement of beliefs, 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:44.799 but in our actions, 00:14:45.819 --> 00:14:46.960 our lives together. 00:14:48.039 --> 00:14:49.379 Not in isolation, 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:51.899 but actually in the world. 00:14:51.899 --> 00:14:55.860 Our unity is meant to be so clear 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:57.740 and distinct that the world knows 00:14:57.740 --> 00:15:00.120 that Jesus was sent from the Father. 00:15:00.519 --> 00:15:01.720 It's important to God 00:15:01.720 --> 00:15:04.220 that the Son is vindicated before the world. 00:15:04.939 --> 00:15:05.959 And there will come a time 00:15:05.959 --> 00:15:07.620 when every knee will bow before Jesus, 00:15:08.039 --> 00:15:09.899 but we are the first place 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:11.879 that this starts to happen. 00:15:13.480 --> 00:15:15.819 The world will see Jesus' glory 00:15:15.819 --> 00:15:17.019 through our unity. 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:17.120 unity. 00:15:18.919 --> 00:15:20.759 This is the role that God has given us 00:15:20.759 --> 00:15:21.240 in the world. 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:26.379 Our unity was meant to be so clear 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:28.039 and distinct that the world knows 00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:30.100 that Jesus was sent from the Father 00:15:30.100 --> 00:15:34.620 and that we are loved by the Father. 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:39.340 It's also the way God shows his love for us. 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:42.840 Unity like this is supernatural. 00:15:43.340 --> 00:15:44.659 We can't do it ourselves. 00:15:45.779 --> 00:15:47.899 We divide and divide and divide again 00:15:47.899 --> 00:15:50.060 until we're comfortable with the people around us, 00:15:50.139 --> 00:15:52.340 or lonely, or a mixture of both. 00:15:54.060 --> 00:15:56.279 The unity that God is working in us 00:15:56.279 --> 00:15:57.820 is astoundingly different. 00:15:58.500 --> 00:15:59.840 It's not of this world. 00:16:01.800 --> 00:16:03.640 And I don't use these phrases 00:16:03.640 --> 00:16:05.020 to undermine the believability 00:16:05.020 --> 00:16:05.800 of what I'm saying. 00:16:07.660 --> 00:16:08.780 I use them 00:16:08.780 --> 00:16:11.020 because that's what people think 00:16:11.020 --> 00:16:12.740 when they see it lived out. 00:16:15.140 --> 00:16:16.460 The unity of God 00:16:16.460 --> 00:16:18.700 expressed by us 00:16:18.700 --> 00:16:20.220 and with him 00:16:20.220 --> 00:16:22.020 is astounding. 00:16:24.280 --> 00:16:26.100 We were talking to some friends recently 00:16:26.100 --> 00:16:27.000 and they were talking about 00:16:27.000 --> 00:16:27.980 how they're moving 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:29.259 from one place to another 00:16:29.259 --> 00:16:31.240 and how difficult it is 00:16:31.240 --> 00:16:32.240 for them to settle in. 00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:33.360 They're not Christians. 00:16:34.800 --> 00:16:35.840 How hard it is 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:37.639 to break into a new community. 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:40.180 Have you thought about 00:16:40.180 --> 00:16:40.740 what it's like 00:16:40.740 --> 00:16:41.420 when you travel 00:16:41.420 --> 00:16:42.560 from one place to another 00:16:42.560 --> 00:16:43.180 as a Christian 00:16:43.180 --> 00:16:45.279 and you go into a church community? 00:16:45.379 --> 00:16:46.379 Yeah, they're a bunch of strangers. 00:16:46.460 --> 00:16:47.399 You don't really know them. 00:16:48.480 --> 00:16:49.340 But in some sense, 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:51.300 you really do know them as well. 00:16:51.860 --> 00:16:53.100 And you feel so at home 00:16:53.100 --> 00:16:54.379 and comfortable in their presence. 00:16:56.100 --> 00:16:57.100 Friends, 00:16:57.220 --> 00:16:57.920 Jesus' prayer is that 00:16:57.920 --> 00:16:58.600 we might experience 00:16:58.600 --> 00:17:00.080 this truth in our lives together 00:17:00.080 --> 00:17:01.500 day by day. 00:17:02.080 --> 00:17:02.960 But can I ask you this? 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:04.400 Is it our desire? 00:17:05.319 --> 00:17:06.420 Is it our prayer? 00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:08.539 Is it our goal? 00:17:11.220 --> 00:17:12.299 Jesus gets personal 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:13.740 and this is the one thing 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:14.480 he emphasizes. 00:17:16.860 --> 00:17:17.740 Is it the thing 00:17:17.740 --> 00:17:19.180 that we yearn for? 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:22.099 I'm going to suggest 00:17:22.099 --> 00:17:23.140 that even if it is, 00:17:23.579 --> 00:17:25.019 we don't conform to it. 00:17:26.679 --> 00:17:27.899 Now, if you're a visitor here 00:17:27.899 --> 00:17:28.839 and you're starting to wonder 00:17:28.839 --> 00:17:29.579 what's going on here, 00:17:29.619 --> 00:17:30.179 what kind of church 00:17:30.179 --> 00:17:30.779 have I come into? 00:17:31.139 --> 00:17:31.779 Please understand 00:17:31.779 --> 00:17:32.659 we're a bunch of people 00:17:32.659 --> 00:17:33.699 who are not perfect. 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:34.619 We're not the finished work. 00:17:34.879 --> 00:17:35.699 Jesus is praying here 00:17:35.699 --> 00:17:37.359 that this might be perfected in us. 00:17:37.679 --> 00:17:38.539 So please allow 00:17:38.539 --> 00:17:39.779 that we're a work in progress 00:17:39.779 --> 00:17:40.879 and the reality 00:17:40.879 --> 00:17:41.899 that there are problems 00:17:41.899 --> 00:17:42.859 within this church family 00:17:42.859 --> 00:17:43.839 that we need to deal with. 00:17:46.379 --> 00:17:47.839 Who do you feel awkward around? 00:17:48.219 --> 00:17:48.859 So this I'm speaking 00:17:48.859 --> 00:17:49.379 to the members 00:17:49.379 --> 00:17:50.279 of the congregation here now. 00:17:50.719 --> 00:17:51.919 Who do you feel awkward around? 00:17:51.920 --> 00:17:53.980 Who do you avoid? 00:17:55.160 --> 00:17:55.940 Who are you holding 00:17:55.940 --> 00:17:56.940 a grudge against? 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:58.560 Who is holding a grudge 00:17:58.560 --> 00:17:59.120 against you 00:17:59.120 --> 00:17:59.960 that you know about? 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:03.740 Why have we allowed 00:18:03.740 --> 00:18:04.580 separation 00:18:04.580 --> 00:18:06.140 within 00:18:06.140 --> 00:18:07.900 the inseparable? 00:18:11.560 --> 00:18:12.420 Perhaps you're thinking, 00:18:12.720 --> 00:18:12.759 well, 00:18:12.880 --> 00:18:14.200 if only you knew 00:18:14.200 --> 00:18:15.420 what they did to me, 00:18:16.060 --> 00:18:16.880 then you'd understand. 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:21.060 Let me say this. 00:18:21.180 --> 00:18:21.720 And I say this 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:23.800 knowing the challenges 00:18:23.800 --> 00:18:25.160 of broken relationships. 00:18:27.680 --> 00:18:29.140 Whatever they did to you 00:18:29.140 --> 00:18:30.780 was an offense 00:18:30.780 --> 00:18:31.780 against God first. 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:34.740 And God the Son 00:18:34.740 --> 00:18:35.480 died 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:36.740 to deal with it. 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:39.160 Surely 00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:40.640 we should be prepared 00:18:40.640 --> 00:18:41.300 to do the same. 00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:42.900 Surely 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:44.140 this is what Jesus 00:18:44.140 --> 00:18:45.160 is calling us to do. 00:18:46.880 --> 00:18:50.060 I'm going to encourage you 00:18:50.060 --> 00:18:50.320 now, 00:18:50.520 --> 00:18:51.040 right now, 00:18:51.180 --> 00:18:52.040 to make a list. 00:18:53.880 --> 00:18:55.280 Write down the names 00:18:55.280 --> 00:18:57.100 or put them in your phone 00:18:57.100 --> 00:18:59.460 or mentally log them. 00:19:00.140 --> 00:19:01.080 The names of the people 00:19:01.080 --> 00:19:01.880 you need 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:03.060 to reconcile to. 00:19:06.540 --> 00:19:08.200 Log that list of names. 00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:12.440 Resolve to deal 00:19:12.440 --> 00:19:13.280 with that list 00:19:13.280 --> 00:19:15.080 starting today. 00:19:15.079 --> 00:19:17.480 begin where 00:19:17.480 --> 00:19:18.339 Jesus began 00:19:18.339 --> 00:19:19.359 by praying 00:19:19.359 --> 00:19:22.139 that unity 00:19:22.139 --> 00:19:23.480 would reign 00:19:23.480 --> 00:19:26.579 despite the existence 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:27.359 of that list. 00:19:29.059 --> 00:19:29.619 And if anyone 00:19:29.619 --> 00:19:30.259 on that list 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:31.279 is too big 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.259 for you to contemplate 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:32.859 dealing with, 00:19:33.220 --> 00:19:34.379 then seek help. 00:19:35.859 --> 00:19:36.819 Talk to someone. 00:19:37.960 --> 00:19:38.759 Talk to a friend. 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:40.339 Talk to your small group leader. 00:19:40.439 --> 00:19:40.939 To an elder. 00:19:40.940 --> 00:19:44.340 The thought of even this 00:19:44.340 --> 00:19:45.480 may terrify you. 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:47.480 And perhaps you're in a place 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:48.799 where you really can't even 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:50.820 think about approaching someone. 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:51.640 You really struggle 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:52.620 to engage with someone 00:19:52.620 --> 00:19:54.500 in a conflict type scenario. 00:19:55.620 --> 00:19:56.400 I'm going to say something 00:19:56.400 --> 00:19:56.840 to you 00:19:56.840 --> 00:19:58.080 that I think 00:19:58.080 --> 00:19:59.500 is wisdom. 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:01.100 And I hope, 00:20:01.160 --> 00:20:02.080 I'm not trying to offend you 00:20:02.080 --> 00:20:02.960 if you struggle 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:04.000 with the issue of psychology. 00:20:04.120 --> 00:20:04.900 But I'm going to say this. 00:20:05.299 --> 00:20:05.900 If the thought 00:20:05.900 --> 00:20:06.759 of actually engaging 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:07.380 with someone 00:20:07.380 --> 00:20:08.720 where a relationship 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:09.559 is broken down 00:20:09.559 --> 00:20:10.220 and it's a brother 00:20:10.220 --> 00:20:11.179 or sister in Christ, 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:12.159 then I would say to you, 00:20:12.599 --> 00:20:14.339 seek professional help 00:20:14.339 --> 00:20:16.399 so that you can 00:20:16.399 --> 00:20:17.539 fulfill 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:19.460 Jesus' desire 00:20:19.460 --> 00:20:20.079 and prayer 00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:21.019 for us 00:20:21.019 --> 00:20:23.599 that we might be unified. 00:20:25.240 --> 00:20:26.659 Whatever it takes 00:20:26.659 --> 00:20:28.399 to realize the unity 00:20:28.399 --> 00:20:29.519 that Jesus died 00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:30.519 to save us for. 00:20:32.139 --> 00:20:33.279 For us 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:35.240 to be distinguishable 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:36.599 and inseparable. 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:38.700 To be devoted 00:20:38.700 --> 00:20:39.559 to joyfully 00:20:39.559 --> 00:20:40.460 giving ourselves 00:20:40.460 --> 00:20:41.100 to one another. 00:20:45.279 --> 00:20:46.580 What a wonderful thing 00:20:46.580 --> 00:20:46.920 it is 00:20:46.920 --> 00:20:47.380 that Jesus 00:20:47.380 --> 00:20:48.360 is praying for here. 00:20:51.080 --> 00:20:52.039 Let this, 00:20:52.259 --> 00:20:52.759 if anything, 00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:53.860 be our battle cry. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.360 So Jesus prays 00:21:00.360 --> 00:21:02.220 for oneness. 00:21:02.220 --> 00:21:06.960 And then he goes on 00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:07.420 to pray 00:21:07.420 --> 00:21:08.960 that that oneness 00:21:08.960 --> 00:21:10.259 might be experienced 00:21:10.259 --> 00:21:11.000 together 00:21:11.000 --> 00:21:12.620 in proximity. 00:21:13.740 --> 00:21:14.380 All along, 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:15.160 Jesus has been praying 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:15.819 from the perspective 00:21:15.819 --> 00:21:16.620 of the big picture 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:17.400 and you can see 00:21:17.400 --> 00:21:18.160 how he keeps breaking 00:21:18.160 --> 00:21:19.400 into how he's, 00:21:19.660 --> 00:21:20.680 to shape his prayer. 00:21:21.519 --> 00:21:22.500 But have you noticed 00:21:22.500 --> 00:21:24.420 already how personal 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:25.559 this last section is? 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:27.039 Oneness. 00:21:28.299 --> 00:21:28.799 And now, 00:21:29.140 --> 00:21:29.660 this prayer 00:21:29.660 --> 00:21:30.900 is about us 00:21:30.900 --> 00:21:32.060 all being together. 00:21:33.540 --> 00:21:35.040 He says in verse 24, 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.140 Father, 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:37.360 I desire 00:21:37.360 --> 00:21:38.420 that they also 00:21:38.420 --> 00:21:39.259 whom you have given me 00:21:39.259 --> 00:21:40.140 may be with me 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:41.100 where I am 00:21:41.100 --> 00:21:42.540 to see my glory 00:21:42.540 --> 00:21:43.280 that you have given me 00:21:43.280 --> 00:21:44.300 because you loved me 00:21:44.300 --> 00:21:45.220 before the foundation 00:21:45.220 --> 00:21:45.840 of the world. 00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:47.720 Can you see 00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:48.380 how we're just being 00:21:48.380 --> 00:21:49.360 swept up 00:21:49.360 --> 00:21:50.340 personally 00:21:50.340 --> 00:21:52.440 in an eternal, 00:21:52.940 --> 00:21:53.600 abrasive, 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:54.759 eternal perspective? 00:21:57.060 --> 00:21:58.040 Jesus prays 00:21:58.040 --> 00:21:58.540 for the elect, 00:21:58.600 --> 00:21:59.360 the ones the Father 00:21:59.359 --> 00:22:00.079 has given him 00:22:00.079 --> 00:22:01.579 and his heart's desire 00:22:01.579 --> 00:22:03.599 is that we be together 00:22:03.599 --> 00:22:04.319 with him. 00:22:08.519 --> 00:22:09.359 Notice that. 00:22:10.099 --> 00:22:11.559 He's praying about us 00:22:11.559 --> 00:22:13.339 like we're his close 00:22:13.339 --> 00:22:14.819 personal family. 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:17.439 All this father 00:22:17.439 --> 00:22:18.539 and son language 00:22:18.539 --> 00:22:21.539 are now drawing us 00:22:21.539 --> 00:22:22.199 in as well 00:22:22.199 --> 00:22:24.559 to share in it. 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:26.500 You know, 00:22:26.559 --> 00:22:27.159 even when we say 00:22:27.159 --> 00:22:28.000 our farewells, 00:22:28.339 --> 00:22:29.980 so for example, 00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:31.119 yesterday was Joe's birthday 00:22:31.119 --> 00:22:32.700 and so our daughter 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.519 came up from Sydney 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:35.740 and all the kids 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.159 came over 00:22:36.159 --> 00:22:37.059 and we had a meal together 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:38.919 and even as we're leaving 00:22:38.919 --> 00:22:39.919 at the end of that day, 00:22:40.159 --> 00:22:41.059 even as we're leaving 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:42.779 after all the photos 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:43.099 are done 00:22:43.099 --> 00:22:43.879 and Facebook posts 00:22:43.879 --> 00:22:44.200 have happened, 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:44.779 all that sort of stuff, 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:45.759 even as they're leaving, 00:22:46.159 --> 00:22:46.720 we're already, 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:47.179 if you notice, 00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:48.639 how you're already thinking 00:22:48.639 --> 00:22:49.960 about the next time 00:22:49.960 --> 00:22:50.720 you'll get together. 00:22:51.759 --> 00:22:52.579 Have you noticed that? 00:22:52.579 --> 00:22:53.460 As we dropped Hannah off 00:22:53.460 --> 00:22:54.259 at the train station 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:55.039 on the way to the church 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:55.519 this morning, 00:22:56.439 --> 00:22:57.599 we were talking with her 00:22:57.599 --> 00:22:58.980 about the next time 00:22:58.980 --> 00:22:59.720 we would see her. 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:02.299 It's a natural thing 00:23:02.299 --> 00:23:02.939 for us to do, 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.319 isn't it? 00:23:03.439 --> 00:23:04.399 We love each other. 00:23:04.439 --> 00:23:04.960 We want to be 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:05.859 in each other's presence. 00:23:07.599 --> 00:23:08.919 This is the kind of imagery 00:23:08.919 --> 00:23:10.599 that Jesus is invoking here. 00:23:12.339 --> 00:23:14.220 These people I am praying for 00:23:14.220 --> 00:23:16.199 are my close, 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:18.539 close personal family. 00:23:18.539 --> 00:23:23.159 He's praying 00:23:23.159 --> 00:23:25.139 with an eye 00:23:25.139 --> 00:23:26.200 on the time 00:23:26.200 --> 00:23:27.319 when he knows 00:23:27.319 --> 00:23:28.920 that he'll be together 00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:29.680 again with us. 00:23:32.779 --> 00:23:34.240 And this prayer isn't just 00:23:34.240 --> 00:23:35.799 for his own personal desire. 00:23:37.139 --> 00:23:38.539 It's the same desire 00:23:38.539 --> 00:23:39.539 the Father has. 00:23:40.879 --> 00:23:42.099 So Jesus prays in line 00:23:42.099 --> 00:23:43.019 with the Father's will. 00:23:43.359 --> 00:23:44.759 The Father chose us 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:45.920 and sent the Son 00:23:45.920 --> 00:23:46.839 to save us 00:23:46.839 --> 00:23:48.139 and plan for us all 00:23:48.139 --> 00:23:48.759 to be together 00:23:48.759 --> 00:23:49.959 since before the foundation 00:23:49.959 --> 00:23:50.659 of the world. 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:54.039 This isn't plan B 00:23:54.039 --> 00:23:55.639 for a botched plan A. 00:23:55.859 --> 00:23:57.500 This isn't a passing feeling 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:58.359 that God has. 00:24:00.559 --> 00:24:01.480 Friends for now, 00:24:01.559 --> 00:24:01.959 but you know, 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.599 one of these ones 00:24:02.599 --> 00:24:03.539 that I'm going to kind of limit 00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:05.599 the amount of posts 00:24:05.599 --> 00:24:06.339 I see from them. 00:24:08.279 --> 00:24:09.279 This relationship 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:11.039 is eternal in scope. 00:24:13.139 --> 00:24:14.519 And it's headed toward a place 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:15.399 where Jesus' glory 00:24:15.399 --> 00:24:16.039 is unveiled. 00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.899 And glory unveiled 00:24:17.899 --> 00:24:18.359 in the sense 00:24:18.359 --> 00:24:19.359 of to be basked in 00:24:19.359 --> 00:24:20.139 rather than feared, 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:21.339 to be delighted in, 00:24:21.379 --> 00:24:22.099 to be shared. 00:24:24.159 --> 00:24:25.139 But there's a pathway 00:24:25.139 --> 00:24:26.599 that Jesus must walk first 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:27.839 because the Father 00:24:27.839 --> 00:24:29.299 is righteous 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:31.619 or just. 00:24:31.939 --> 00:24:33.079 Same word in Greek. 00:24:34.419 --> 00:24:35.879 Jesus prays in verse 25. 00:24:36.879 --> 00:24:38.319 O righteous or just, 00:24:38.679 --> 00:24:38.980 Father, 00:24:40.679 --> 00:24:41.679 even though the world 00:24:41.679 --> 00:24:42.519 does not know you, 00:24:42.619 --> 00:24:43.279 I know you. 00:24:44.220 --> 00:24:45.179 And these know 00:24:45.180 --> 00:24:46.019 that you have sent me. 00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:48.180 I made known to them 00:24:48.180 --> 00:24:48.700 your name 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:50.000 and I will continue 00:24:50.000 --> 00:24:50.840 to make it known 00:24:50.840 --> 00:24:52.440 that the love 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:53.740 with which you have loved me 00:24:53.740 --> 00:24:55.060 may be in them 00:24:55.060 --> 00:24:57.140 and I in them. 00:24:58.720 --> 00:25:00.380 Verses 25 and 26. 00:25:01.380 --> 00:25:02.600 Jesus prays, 00:25:03.120 --> 00:25:03.779 Holy Father, 00:25:04.340 --> 00:25:05.680 when he prays for his disciples 00:25:05.680 --> 00:25:06.480 to be sanctified 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:07.279 in the last section. 00:25:07.279 --> 00:25:09.899 Now he prays righteous 00:25:09.899 --> 00:25:11.879 or just, 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:12.500 Father, 00:25:13.160 --> 00:25:14.220 because justice 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:15.399 is the focus 00:25:15.399 --> 00:25:16.879 of what's about to come. 00:25:17.879 --> 00:25:18.259 Do you remember 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:19.740 when Moses got a glimpse 00:25:19.740 --> 00:25:20.500 of God's glory? 00:25:20.599 --> 00:25:21.079 Two weeks ago 00:25:21.079 --> 00:25:21.579 we looked at this. 00:25:21.619 --> 00:25:22.519 When Moses got a glimpse 00:25:22.519 --> 00:25:23.319 of God's glory, 00:25:24.059 --> 00:25:24.700 as God passed, 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:25.680 as we looked at Exodus 00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.460 chapter 34 00:25:26.460 --> 00:25:28.139 verses 6 and 7, 00:25:28.259 --> 00:25:29.299 if you want to 00:25:29.299 --> 00:25:30.940 look it back up, 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:32.620 Moses asked 00:25:32.620 --> 00:25:33.539 to get a glimpse 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:34.320 or get to see 00:25:34.320 --> 00:25:34.940 God's glory 00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:37.940 and Moses got a glimpse 00:25:37.940 --> 00:25:38.600 of God's glory. 00:25:39.660 --> 00:25:40.880 As God passed by Moses, 00:25:40.960 --> 00:25:41.620 he only showed him 00:25:41.620 --> 00:25:41.920 a glimpse. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:42.680 That's all Moses 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.440 could cope with 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:44.440 and live. 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:47.259 And as he passed Moses, 00:25:47.360 --> 00:25:48.580 he declared his nature 00:25:48.580 --> 00:25:49.380 in these words. 00:25:49.900 --> 00:25:50.880 This is Exodus 34, 00:25:51.019 --> 00:25:51.559 6 and 7. 00:25:52.059 --> 00:25:52.860 This is God 00:25:52.860 --> 00:25:54.000 declaring of himself, 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:55.519 the Lord, 00:25:55.779 --> 00:25:56.620 the Lord, 00:25:56.779 --> 00:25:58.240 a God merciful 00:25:58.240 --> 00:25:58.900 and gracious, 00:25:58.900 --> 00:26:01.120 slow to anger 00:26:01.120 --> 00:26:02.480 and abounding 00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:03.640 in steadfast love 00:26:03.640 --> 00:26:04.600 and faithfulness, 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:07.019 keeping steadfast love 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:07.759 for thousands, 00:26:08.780 --> 00:26:09.660 forgiving iniquity 00:26:09.660 --> 00:26:10.460 and transgression 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:11.040 and sin, 00:26:11.320 --> 00:26:13.100 but who will by no means 00:26:13.100 --> 00:26:13.880 clear the guilty, 00:26:15.120 --> 00:26:16.000 visiting the iniquity 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.560 of the fathers 00:26:16.560 --> 00:26:17.240 on the children 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:18.280 and the children's children 00:26:18.280 --> 00:26:19.220 to the third 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:20.400 and fourth generation. 00:26:22.000 --> 00:26:23.100 The experience 00:26:23.100 --> 00:26:23.880 of God's people 00:26:23.880 --> 00:26:25.600 right up to Jesus. 00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:30.099 God is absolutely just. 00:26:30.899 --> 00:26:32.599 No sin goes unpaid for. 00:26:33.219 --> 00:26:34.079 Either it's paid for 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:34.699 at the cross 00:26:34.699 --> 00:26:36.480 or you carry it yourself. 00:26:38.039 --> 00:26:39.339 The cross is where 00:26:39.339 --> 00:26:40.079 God's love 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:41.359 and justice meet. 00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:42.759 So at the cross, 00:26:42.859 --> 00:26:44.759 Jesus has made God 00:26:44.759 --> 00:26:45.519 known to us 00:26:45.519 --> 00:26:46.139 in his fullness. 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:48.599 Not simply in being present 00:26:48.599 --> 00:26:49.319 in human form 00:26:49.319 --> 00:26:49.939 or in his teaching 00:26:49.939 --> 00:26:50.579 about God 00:26:50.579 --> 00:26:51.480 or his example 00:26:51.480 --> 00:26:52.119 of how to live, 00:26:52.139 --> 00:26:52.579 all those things 00:26:52.579 --> 00:26:53.219 are all important, 00:26:53.699 --> 00:26:55.480 but in his dying for us. 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:57.359 This is the love 00:26:57.359 --> 00:26:58.399 that Jesus is talking about 00:26:58.399 --> 00:27:00.219 in John 13, 34. 00:27:00.359 --> 00:27:01.019 So this is earlier 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:01.959 in his conversation 00:27:01.959 --> 00:27:02.719 with his disciples 00:27:02.719 --> 00:27:04.299 over this meal. 00:27:05.259 --> 00:27:06.179 In verse 34, 00:27:06.299 --> 00:27:06.779 he says this, 00:27:07.339 --> 00:27:08.299 A new commandment 00:27:08.299 --> 00:27:09.039 I give you 00:27:09.039 --> 00:27:10.839 that you love 00:27:10.839 --> 00:27:11.439 one another. 00:27:12.359 --> 00:27:13.759 Just as I have loved you, 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:15.240 you also are 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:16.019 to love one another. 00:27:17.159 --> 00:27:17.939 By this, 00:27:18.439 --> 00:27:19.439 all people will know 00:27:19.439 --> 00:27:20.439 that you are my disciples 00:27:20.439 --> 00:27:23.299 if you have love 00:27:23.299 --> 00:27:24.919 for one another. 00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:29.619 Jesus' love 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:30.219 turns away 00:27:30.219 --> 00:27:31.339 God's righteous judgment. 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:33.599 It opens the way 00:27:33.599 --> 00:27:34.779 into God's 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:35.799 unfiltered presence. 00:27:36.619 --> 00:27:37.519 It enables us 00:27:37.519 --> 00:27:38.659 to see his glory 00:27:38.659 --> 00:27:39.319 and live, 00:27:39.659 --> 00:27:40.240 to know that 00:27:40.240 --> 00:27:41.839 that point of family 00:27:41.839 --> 00:27:42.559 reunification 00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:43.339 is coming 00:27:43.339 --> 00:27:44.819 and to not fear it 00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.879 but to delight in it, 00:27:45.959 --> 00:27:47.439 to long for it. 00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:53.820 If we understand 00:27:53.820 --> 00:27:54.240 the cross 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:55.360 as God intended to, 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:57.720 then we will see 00:27:57.720 --> 00:27:58.720 what's about to come 00:27:58.720 --> 00:27:59.920 in the Gospel of John 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:00.759 as love, 00:28:01.600 --> 00:28:02.860 an expression of love. 00:28:03.299 --> 00:28:04.600 If we believe in him, 00:28:04.820 --> 00:28:06.500 then this cross-shaped love 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:08.019 applies to us. 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:11.420 It's our experience 00:28:11.420 --> 00:28:12.059 of what Jesus 00:28:12.059 --> 00:28:13.140 is praying about here. 00:28:13.140 --> 00:28:16.880 just as I have loved you, 00:28:17.620 --> 00:28:18.300 Jesus says. 00:28:19.900 --> 00:28:21.020 The cross, 00:28:21.840 --> 00:28:22.840 the moment Jesus 00:28:22.840 --> 00:28:23.720 is glorified, 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:26.140 the moment we know 00:28:27.140 --> 00:28:28.920 how loved we are, 00:28:31.560 --> 00:28:33.259 the moment we are loved 00:28:33.259 --> 00:28:34.220 beyond measure, 00:28:35.420 --> 00:28:36.340 personally. 00:28:36.339 --> 00:28:40.279 When you think of 00:28:40.279 --> 00:28:41.439 Jesus' desire 00:28:41.439 --> 00:28:42.919 is to be with us, 00:28:45.519 --> 00:28:47.279 that moment in history 00:28:47.279 --> 00:28:49.519 at the cross 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:51.720 is like those 00:28:51.720 --> 00:28:52.619 family reunions, 00:28:52.699 --> 00:28:53.779 the fierceness 00:28:53.779 --> 00:28:55.220 of God's embrace, 00:28:56.039 --> 00:28:57.759 the breath against our neck 00:28:57.759 --> 00:28:58.879 as he envelops us, 00:28:59.419 --> 00:29:01.059 the warmth of God's greeting, 00:29:01.459 --> 00:29:02.720 the intimacy of bonds 00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:04.019 that go beyond words. 00:29:06.339 --> 00:29:08.459 This is the imagery 00:29:08.459 --> 00:29:09.639 that's being used here 00:29:09.639 --> 00:29:12.539 of what he's about 00:29:12.539 --> 00:29:13.539 to do at the cross. 00:29:15.439 --> 00:29:17.119 This is the eternal desire 00:29:17.119 --> 00:29:18.459 of God for us, 00:29:19.079 --> 00:29:20.480 for love and justice 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:21.039 to meet, 00:29:21.139 --> 00:29:22.459 but not in our bodies. 00:29:23.619 --> 00:29:24.359 Thank God. 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:28.279 And this love 00:29:28.279 --> 00:29:30.740 is made possible 00:29:30.740 --> 00:29:32.819 through the cross. 00:29:32.819 --> 00:29:35.939 Love where justice 00:29:35.939 --> 00:29:37.259 is turned away from us 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:38.379 is made possible 00:29:38.379 --> 00:29:38.960 at the cross. 00:29:40.019 --> 00:29:40.359 So friends, 00:29:40.399 --> 00:29:41.480 we never move from the cross. 00:29:41.579 --> 00:29:42.579 We never move on from it. 00:29:42.899 --> 00:29:44.379 This isn't like basic teachings 00:29:44.379 --> 00:29:46.000 and then you become 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:46.980 more mature as a Christian 00:29:46.980 --> 00:29:47.960 and you start to understand 00:29:47.960 --> 00:29:48.819 some of the bigger words. 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:52.179 We never move on from this. 00:29:52.259 --> 00:29:53.099 It remains forever 00:29:53.099 --> 00:29:54.319 the foundation of our unity 00:29:54.319 --> 00:29:55.379 with God and with each other, 00:29:55.659 --> 00:29:56.899 our pattern for relating 00:29:56.899 --> 00:29:58.539 to God and to each other, 00:29:58.919 --> 00:29:59.919 our personal experience 00:29:59.919 --> 00:30:00.939 of the Father's love for us, 00:30:00.940 --> 00:30:02.620 our way of loving the world 00:30:02.620 --> 00:30:03.220 together. 00:30:06.480 --> 00:30:07.680 This is what our friends 00:30:07.680 --> 00:30:08.160 and family 00:30:08.160 --> 00:30:09.259 who aren't yet Christians 00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:11.200 should see modeled in us, 00:30:11.779 --> 00:30:13.200 a cross-shaped love. 00:30:15.420 --> 00:30:17.160 Not just see modeled in us though, 00:30:18.240 --> 00:30:19.900 but they should experience it 00:30:19.900 --> 00:30:20.960 when they're included 00:30:20.960 --> 00:30:22.140 in our social gatherings, 00:30:22.440 --> 00:30:23.279 when we celebrate 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:25.140 as we often do. 00:30:25.380 --> 00:30:26.200 We should be celebrating 00:30:26.200 --> 00:30:27.400 alongside our friends 00:30:27.400 --> 00:30:28.460 who are still of the world. 00:30:29.240 --> 00:30:30.880 Anyone who socializes with us, 00:30:30.880 --> 00:30:31.640 whether that be members 00:30:31.640 --> 00:30:33.260 of the LGBTI community 00:30:33.260 --> 00:30:34.240 or the homeless 00:30:34.240 --> 00:30:35.160 or anyone else, 00:30:35.340 --> 00:30:36.480 should feel welcome 00:30:36.480 --> 00:30:37.440 in our midst, 00:30:38.140 --> 00:30:38.920 in our gatherings. 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:41.460 They should feel safe. 00:30:41.720 --> 00:30:42.940 They should feel loved 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:48.320 with this distinctive kind of love. 00:30:52.020 --> 00:30:53.140 This is the community 00:30:53.140 --> 00:30:54.500 that God is calling us to be, 00:30:55.560 --> 00:30:57.080 a community that just shows 00:30:57.079 --> 00:31:00.299 just how wonderfully God 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:01.139 has loved us. 00:31:03.139 --> 00:31:04.659 It doesn't just show it, 00:31:05.559 --> 00:31:07.799 but actually enables people 00:31:07.799 --> 00:31:09.179 who don't yet know Jesus 00:31:09.179 --> 00:31:09.839 as their Savior 00:31:09.839 --> 00:31:11.559 to experience it personally 00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:12.359 through us 00:31:12.359 --> 00:31:16.039 and to see their way toward 00:31:16.039 --> 00:31:17.639 believing in Jesus too. 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:24.020 So in conclusion then, 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:26.640 Jesus prays that the Father 00:31:26.640 --> 00:31:27.460 will glorify him 00:31:27.460 --> 00:31:28.660 and he does at the cross. 00:31:30.300 --> 00:31:31.420 Jesus prays that the Father 00:31:31.420 --> 00:31:32.720 will sanctify his disciples 00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:33.440 and through them 00:31:33.440 --> 00:31:34.060 all who follow 00:31:34.060 --> 00:31:35.280 and he does 00:31:35.280 --> 00:31:36.500 by the cross. 00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:39.180 And Jesus prays 00:31:39.180 --> 00:31:39.800 that the Father 00:31:39.800 --> 00:31:40.880 will unify us all 00:31:40.880 --> 00:31:42.780 and he is doing 00:31:42.779 --> 00:31:45.299 as a community of people 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:46.039 who experience 00:31:46.039 --> 00:31:46.960 his love daily 00:31:46.960 --> 00:31:49.099 through the cross. 00:31:52.660 --> 00:31:53.440 Let me pray. 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:01.720 Father God, 00:32:01.799 --> 00:32:02.740 we are so good 00:32:02.740 --> 00:32:04.500 at building our own 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:05.500 kingdoms, 00:32:06.000 --> 00:32:07.099 our own designs 00:32:07.099 --> 00:32:08.000 around our lives, 00:32:08.819 --> 00:32:10.879 even our own desires 00:32:10.879 --> 00:32:11.980 around your church here. 00:32:13.740 --> 00:32:15.680 We very quickly 00:32:15.680 --> 00:32:16.519 come up with ideas 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:18.519 of what this church family 00:32:18.519 --> 00:32:19.279 should look like. 00:32:21.399 --> 00:32:22.420 But I pray, Father, 00:32:22.519 --> 00:32:22.940 through looking 00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:24.799 at the Son's prayer, 00:32:25.879 --> 00:32:26.680 that Son's prayer 00:32:26.680 --> 00:32:27.480 over us, 00:32:28.180 --> 00:32:28.700 that we might have 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:29.839 a bit more of a sense 00:32:29.839 --> 00:32:30.859 of what you desire 00:32:30.859 --> 00:32:31.500 for us 00:32:31.500 --> 00:32:34.940 and that you might stir 00:32:34.940 --> 00:32:35.579 in our hearts 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:36.700 a desire for the same. 00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:39.339 And as that desire 00:32:39.339 --> 00:32:40.180 is stirred, Lord, 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:41.740 that you would grow 00:32:41.740 --> 00:32:42.319 in us 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:44.939 this sense of awe 00:32:44.939 --> 00:32:45.740 at the glory 00:32:45.740 --> 00:32:46.439 that you've shown 00:32:46.439 --> 00:32:46.980 of yourself 00:32:46.980 --> 00:32:47.659 at the cross. 00:32:50.480 --> 00:32:52.159 The sense of 00:32:52.159 --> 00:32:54.000 unity that we have 00:32:54.000 --> 00:32:54.980 through your Son 00:32:54.980 --> 00:32:56.159 with you 00:32:56.159 --> 00:32:57.939 through the cross 00:32:57.939 --> 00:33:00.059 and that it might 00:33:00.059 --> 00:33:00.980 colour and shape 00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:01.960 everything we try 00:33:01.960 --> 00:33:02.939 to build in your name. 00:33:04.200 --> 00:33:05.079 In Jesus' name 00:33:05.079 --> 00:33:05.439 we pray. 00:33:05.439 --> 00:33:06.500 Amen. 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:06.579 Amen. 00:33:07.059 --> 00:33:07.500 Amen. 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:08.500 Amen. 00:33:08.500 --> 00:33:08.559 Amen. 00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:08.639 Amen. 00:33:08.639 --> 00:33:08.659 Amen. 00:33:08.659 --> 00:33:08.720 Amen.