Day 17

Highlight

“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one. I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved me.” (John 17:20-23)

Explain

In the beginning of chapter 17 Jesus has prayed for Himself and His Disciples and now turns His focus on those who will believe in future generations because they have heard the testimony of these eye witnesses. Jesus prays for unity among all believers so that the world may believe the Father has sent the Son. Jesus prayed for believers to be one in exhibiting the character of God and Christ so that the world would know God loves them and loved Christ.

Apply

It is so amazing to realize Christ prayed for me over 2000 years ago. It is also sobering to know that today He will draw people to Himself using His testimony of love on exhibition in my life. It begs the question…do people who know me say, “I see Christ in that Christian as the Father was seen in Christ.” How is my love for my God and for others on display today?

Respond

“Heavenly Father, I am so overwhelmed by Your love for me. You have given me eternal life through faith in Your beloved and obedient Son, Jesus Christ. Help me, Your child, to show Your loving and forgiving character to others today so they may be blessed and give You praise. Amen”

Highlight

Get to a place where you can focus and read the daily Scripture passage several times. From the passage of Scripture you read, highlight one or two verses that stick out. Write them down, and even consider rewriting the verse(s) in your own words.

Explain

Make some basic observations about the scripture you just read by asking these questions:

• Why was this written?
• To whom was it originally written?
• What is the author trying to communicate?
• What does the Scripture passage teach me about God and humanity?

Apply

After taking some time explaining the highlighted scriptures, begin to think about how they apply to your life. Ask yourself these questions and spend some time writing down your thoughts:

• What do these verses mean today?
• What does this verse(s) mean for my life?
• How does this verse challenge my thinking and actions?
• What changes do I need to make in my life as a result of this passage of Scripture?

Respond

Your response to the passage may take on many forms. You may write a call to action. You may describe how you will be different because of what God has said to you through the Bible verses. You may indicate what you are going to do because of what you learned. You may respond by writing out a prayer to God. For example, you may ask God to help you to be more loving, or to give you a desire to be more generous in your giving. Keep in mind that this is your response to what you have just read.