John 17: Loved Like Jesus

John 17: Loved Like Jesus

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Read: John 17, Psalm 17

Who: Who wrote this book? Who did they write it to? What was their reason for writing?

What: What does this passage say about God, me, and my relationship with him?

20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.  John 17:20-23 (NLT emphasis my own)

Jesus’ prayer is for us. We are the “…all who will ever believe in me…” Now here is the part that I’ve never noticed before: God loves us as much as he loves Jesus.

What?!?!?!?

Maybe you didn’t catch that. God loves YOU as much as he loves Jesus, his one and only son, united to God, the one willing to sacrifice himself for everyone. Yeah, as much as that guy.

That is mind boggeling.

Why: Why is the truth important?
 I am probably not the only person who forgets God’s deep love for me is based one hundred percent on his grace. I occassionally think I have to earn it, but Jesus’ prayer states that God loves those who believe in him as much as he loves Jesus.
There is nothing there about our efforts- just belief.
What a gift.
How: How would my life, character and perspective be different if I truly believed this truth?
My perspective is different today. I knew God loves me, but I think I never really understood the full weight of that love. Personally, it makes me feel that I should never question my value.

 

 Prayer:

God, thank you for your amazing love for me. Help me to never forget this gift. Thank you that I don’t have to earn your favor. Help me to reflect the love you have for me in how I interact with others. Please forgive me for the times I take you for granted and for the the times I take others for granted. Teach me to love like you.
Amen
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