“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV)
[Jesus praying for his Church before arrest] I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Matthew 17: 20-23 (NRSV)
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AUGUST 8, 2025
In the Church, gathering just to gather is not the point. If we gather with other believers because “it’s what our family does” or “it’s the right thing to do” then we miss why Jesus prayed to God on behalf of His Church.
When we read Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 17, we see something astonishing. We see that what Jesus wants for us, what He wants for His Church, is to experience the same oneness with one another that God, Jesus, and the Spirit share. There is no higher form of connection and relationship than this unity full of the glory of God.
When the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, grows in the ability to live out this incredible unity, the world will notice. When we allow God’s unconditional love to enter into our hearts, when we open our arms wide to receive it and open our arms wide to give it, this love is the most powerful force in the whole world.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- Spend some time reflecting on Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 17.
- What does oneness mean?
- What do you think it means to be one with other believers?
- What new steps can you take towards growing in oneness with others?
Church Reading Plan:
- Today, August 8 : Ruth 1; Acts 26
- Saturday, August 9: Ruth 2; Acts 27
- Sunday, August 10: Ruth 3-4; Acts 28