Navigating Change: Following the Footsteps of JesusSample

Leave It All on the Line

Jesus prayed for you. Take a look. John 17 is the longest recorded prayer we have from Jesus and it was for His disciples, including you.

Let that encourage you, and also let it challenge you as you continue to follow His example. Pray through your season of transition. Go to the Father, thank Him for what you have, and tell Him what you need.

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:22-23 NIV

As Jesus prays for His followers, He is clear that He’s left it all on the line. He’s loved them the same way the Father loves the Son. He’s protected them, He’s taught them, He’s fully invited them into the intimate fellowship He shares with the Father. In other words, Jesus held nothing back.

It can be tempting for us to hold back relationally with people, especially when we know we are only going to be somewhere temporarily.

Maybe you moved around a lot growing up or had friends who did. Sometimes, that taught you not to invest deeply in people or get involved in new places because you just don’t know when that’s going to get ripped away again. And if you do know the “end date,” a countdown runs in your mind and you just don’t feel like the hard work of developing relationships is worth it.

But those mindsets are built on fear and lies from the enemy to try and keep you from being known as a disciple of Jesus and to stunt your growth.

The world knows we belong to Jesus by the way we love. If we refuse to extend ourselves in love, we are failing to live up to our calling as Jesus’ disciples.

And, as we’ve discussed previously, by not obeying the command of Jesus to love others as He has loved us, we are actually disconnecting ourselves from His heart and we cannot be fruitful.

Simply put, becoming like Jesus requires being with people. We simply can’t claim to know Him and follow Him if we don’t deeply invest in the lives of people around us.

This is a call to follow the example of Jesus and leave it all on the line. Wherever you are, no matter how soon this season may end, it’s not too late to start loving the people around you. It’s not an overstatement to say that we know the Gospel of Jesus today because He loved 12 young men and a handful of female followers to and through His dying breath. He held nothing back.

What are you holding back? Time? Vulnerability? Trust? Forgiveness?

When you are willing to take the risk and go all in, you will see fruit you didn’t expect. Because 0% of what’s done in love will be wasted, but 100% of what’s done apart from love turns out devoid of purpose.

Stop and consider: Are you leaving it all on the line? Are you willing to? If yes, take an honest look at what’s holding you back. Identify the fear or lie attached to that thing and ask God to reveal His love to you in that place.