TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34b
Read: John 13:31-35
Listen: John 13
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus doesn’t have much time left. He knows he will be hanging on a Roman cross the next day. He gives those closest to him some important instructions. It couldn’t have been easy. He had been teaching them for three years. What should he say now? It has to be important whatever it is.
He tells them, “Love one another.” Jesus takes the advice of Ecclesiastes (travel together) and unleashes it upon his followers. Jesus’ strategy for growing, serving, comforting and encouraging his followers—is his followers. His strategy for changing the world was a community of people traveling together.
Paul (an impactful teacher in the early church) writes, “From him the whole body (the church), joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” The church grows and is built by love when we each do our part. We grow when others play their part, and they grow when we play ours. Only by traveling together does the Jesus community fulfill its role in the world.
On Tuesday, we covered some distractions that keep us from developing real relationships. These things can also keep us from getting on-board with Jesus’ strategy. When we let other things, even good things, prevent us from meaningful relationships with other Christians—we stunt our chances for growth. We won’t grow without relationships.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Reflect on what it means for you to be “all in” on Jesus’ strategy. What would it look like in your life? What’s keeping you from going all in? Confess those things to God and ask him to show you an opportunity to get on-board.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
