Modern life moves at light speed- always another promotion to vie for, always another like on Facebook or Instagram to chase. In this sort of world, real human relationships are a hindrance. As George Clooney’s character in the 2009 film Up in the Air says, “relationships just slow me down.”
Central to work of Jesus of Nazareth, however, is this: the invitation to the slowest, messiest bundle of human relationships possible: the family. And specifically, the family of God. Join us for the next six weeks as we learn about what it means to be the Uncommon Community: the Family of God.
Our text and sermon are below.
John 17:1, 11-13, 20-26.
[1] When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you… [11] And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. [12] While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. [13] But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. [20] I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, [21] that they may all be one, just 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 have sent me… [22] The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, [23] I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. [24] Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. [25] O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. [26] I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” (ESV)