Thank you for listening to Servants for Christ. In all that we do, in all that we say, we want to give glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for tuning us in as we get into the wonderful Word of God. For the next few minutes, let's take the beautiful Word of God and share it with each and every one of you as we have a sense of anticipation to take the Word of God and to listen to its truth for each and every one. Thank you for tuning us in. I'm Darrell Bailey, Servants for Christ. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. Here as we continue on in our Journeys of Faith series, I'm glad that it's dedicated to retracing the footsteps of remarkable Bible characters whose lives offer profound lessons for our own spiritual walk. When we reveal how that each and every one of us, through the timeless truths and the experiences of all of those that have gone before us, we can reveal the path of how that all of these journeys are an ongoing dependence on God. unwavering trust in God is what guided each and every one of these wonderful Bible folks through their journeys of faith. And so, it's much like our personal faith as we journey down the road that can be challenging and uncertain. Just as God bless the faith of these great Bible characters, He continues to bless and sustain our faith even today. And so we remember. that in past days, we started out with a great journey of faith with the Bible character of Noah, a path of obedience and grace. And Noah's journey to Mount Ararat is a profound testament of faith, obedience, and God's grace. Because in Genesis chapter six, we witness a world steeped in corruption. and weakness leading God to choose Noah as the man to preserve creation. And Noah's response to God's call reflects deep faith that not only transformed his life, but altered the course of human history. And so, when we look and we realize that not only through Noah, Abraham, our second Bible study, was about Abraham called to testing and sacrifice in Genesis chapter 22. His journey to Mount Moriah gave us one of the greatest faith journeys that did not end just with Isaac's sacrifice but with a reaffirmation of God's covenant promises because of Abraham's obedience and faith. God confirmed that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars and that through his offspring all nations would be Jacobet, trusting in God's plan and provision. When we look and realize that there was a journey to the palace because Jacobet's journey of faith, the mother of Moses, faced a journey of profound faith, courage, and trust in God's providence during one of the darkest periods of the Israelites. Her journey that was recorded in Exodus chapter 1 and Exodus chapter 2 is a testament to a mother's faith in God's plan, even when it meant giving up her son. Through her actions, Jochebed demonstrated reliance on God's protection and provision, and her faith ultimately plays a pivotal role in Israel's deliverance from slavery. Bible character. That would be Joseph trusting God's plan. Here, the journey to Egypt in Genesis chapter 37. And when we look He saved his family and many nations. He reconciled with his brothers. He became a key figure in God's plan. And Joseph's journey of faith to Egypt was filled with difficulties, but it ultimately revealed God's sovereignty, providence, and ability to turn suffering into salvation. Joseph learned to trust God's plan even when he didn't understand it and he remained faithful through every trial. Our fifth Bible character of faith on our journeys of faith was Moses. Lessons in patience and faith. We look at Moses' journey to Mount Sinai because on this journey we learn that the law learned that Moses grew as a leader and God's covenant was affirmed by him. The people were humbled and I'm glad that we see that out of all of this, the sin of the golden calf that taught Israel a lesson necessary about the consequences of idolatry and rebellion. But Moses' journey to Sinai is rich in patience, faith, and leadership. He learned that God's timing is always perfect, that sin has real consequences, and that intercession is a vital part of leadership. And for us today, Moses' experience is a powerful reminder to wait on God, resist the urge to create our own solutions, and always approach God with a heart of humility and reverence. The sixth Bible character on the journeys of faith was Joshua from faith to the promised land. When we look at the journey to the promised land, we look at Joshua chapter 1. And we see that on this journey, Joshua's journey of faith, amen, we begin to look and we see that the faith resulted in tremendous victories for both himself and the nation of Israel. There was a successful conquest of the promised land, a legacy of faithfulness. renewal of Israel's covenant with God. God's presence was affirmed and I'm glad that Joshua's journey reinforced the truth that God's presence brings victory and the people of Israel saw firsthand how God fought for them and when they trusted and obeyed him, the presence of God with Joshua and Israel was the key to their success and to their security. The seventh Bible character was Gideon. we see discouragement to destiny. Here, in our journeys of faith, we see as Gideon the journey to Ophrah, because he was from Ophrah. And we see that through this journey in there of his own hometown place, despite his fear, Gideon's initial fear and calling, but through this, we see that what Gideon learned is God uses the weak to display his strength. Gideon's initial fear and doubts were transformed as he learned that God works through weakness, and the reduction of his army to 300 men was a clear sign that God doesn't need human strength to achieve his purposes. And so, faith requires and obedience, so Gideon's faith grew through the willingness to obey. And even when God's instructions didn't make sense to him from a human perspective, his actions showed that faith is more than belief. It's trusting God enough to act according to his commands. And so, our eighth Bible character on our journeys of faith was Rahab, from shame to salvation. Because in Joshua chapter two, we look and we see the story of the scarlet thread that became a symbol of salvation, much like the blood of the Passover lamb that protected the Israelites in Egypt, and it foreshadows the blood of Christ, which offers protection and redemption to all who believe. The scarlet thread that represents God's provision for salvation, Rahab, We know that she trusted in the sign of God's protection. In the New Testament, the protection is found in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. And so, through Rahab's redemption and Jericho's fall, we see that legacy of faith. And I'm glad that as that legacy of faith begin to go forward, Rahab's journey to faith in the God of Israel is a powerful story of transformation from shame to salvation that it shows us that no matter where we start, God can bring redemption. He can bring purpose and the legacy of faith that lasts for generations to come. Through her faith, Rahab became a part of God's great redemptive plan, a truth that continues to resonate to every one of us today. And then the ninth character that we see in our Journeys of Faith series is Hannah, from desperation to divine purpose. Because here in 1 Samuel 3, we see the journey to Shiloh, because here's another journey that Hannah as is described, a mother that began to live an example because of Hannah's faith She began to make a journey to Shiloh that left a lasting legacy, that she promised her son to the Lord. And through her trust in God, not only was her personal sorrow turned into joy, but the nation of Israel received a godly leader in Samuel. And her sacrifice of giving Samuel back to the Lord was a significant act of faith, illustrating that true trust in God sometimes involves surrendering what we hold most dear. And so Hannah's story teaches modern believers about the power of persistent prayer, trust in God's timing, the importance of fulfilling our commitments. And in today's society, people often face discouragement, waiting for their prayers to be answered. And Hannah's journey reminds us that God hears the cries of his people. and that surrendering our desires to him leads to blessings greater than we can ever imagine. The 10th Bible character in our Journeys of Faith series is Samuel navigating to the leading of God. Here we see the journey to the Valley of Elah because this was the battleground that because of Samuel and because of Hannah, There was a David, a man after God's own heart that went out to the battlefield in the valley of Elah and fought the battle of the enemy of the children of Israel. I'm glad in 1 Samuel chapter 16, we see what Samuel learned. Samuel learned that God's choices often defy human expectations. And while the world may value status and appearance, God values the condition of the heart. And so when Samuel went to pick the next king of Israel, I'm telling you, it wasn't for somebody tall like Saul that the people picked. It was a ruddy looking little shepherd boy that had already at a young age defended the flock from a lion and from a bear, and he went out on the battlefield for the Lord, not afraid, because he was equipped with the five stones from the Lord, a slingshot that would hit its target, and the power of God from on high that would give him victory. And when Samuel anointed David, the spirit of the Lord came upon him that day, and the moment that marked the beginning of David's journey toward kingship, praise God. And so Samuel's journey to the Valley of Elah serves as a profound lesson in obedience, discernment, and the importance of looking at the heart. And it reminds us that God's plans often differ from our expectations, and His choices are rooted in His divine wisdom. And as we look at our own journeys of faith, may we, like Samuel, remain open to God's leading, trusting in His purpose, and relying on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Bible character. We see David, a man after God's own heart, in our 11th series of the Journeys of Faith. David's was a journey to Zion, which was Jerusalem, because he relocated from Hebron to Jerusalem, which would be the anointed holy place that the temple would be at. And I'm glad that in this lesson, David's journey design, the city of David, represents not just a geographical location, but a spiritual and a relational journey in David's life. Because when we look and realize of what David had done, what David was working on with his, he learned about the nature of God's grace despite His failures, God's mercy was extended to him, illustrating that no one is beyond redemption. And as we navigate our journeys of faith, we must embrace the reality of our own imperfections. God's grace is available to all who seek it. And so this encourages all of us that he extends grace to others, and I'm glad that there's a part for all of us to have a healing and a redemption. And so David's journey design is the highs and lows of faith illustrating that even those who are considered after God's own heart can face trials, make mistakes, and experience understanding. So it teaches us exactly what we need in that time that we need it. a Bible character in the Journey of Faith series, which is Jesus, the journey to the cross. Here in this 12th series, in John chapter 17. Here we explore Jesus' journey to the cross, a path that's been defined by unwavering faith, purpose, and sacrificial love. And as we look at the final hours leading to the crucifixion, we witness the profound teaching on prayer, unity, and the significance of his vision. Because in John chapter 17, it's the high priestly prayer that is Jesus's heart that prepares for the ultimate sacrifice. And when we look at this model prayer and for our lives today, we see. that in a world often divided by differences, Jesus' call to unity challenges us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ, that we should foster relationships that reflect Christ's love, grace, demonstrate to a world that we're his disciples. And so, as Jesus approached the cross, he fully understood the magnitude of his sacrifice. And he speaks of the love shared with his father and his desire for believers to experience that same love. And so, Jesus teaches that true love is demonstrated through sacrifice. His journey to the cross illustrates that the path of faith often involves personal sacrifice for the sake of others, amen. And so, when we look at this, take your Bibles to John chapter 17. John chapter 17. And the highlight of this verse is verse four that we look at. In John chapter 17, verse four, I have glorified thee on the earth. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. Father, in your presence, Lord, we recognize your love and power of your word. And in John 17, Lord, we find a prayer spoken by your son, Jesus, as he intercedes for his disciples and all who would come to believe in him. We ask that you open our hearts and minds to this wonderful scripture to grasp the weight of Jesus's desire for unity among believers, reflecting the relationship that he shares with us. And may we understand the call to be one, just as you and your Son are one. And may this unity become a testimony to the world of your love and grace. We invite your Holy Spirit to guide our reflections today, illuminating our understanding of this prayer, transforming our hearts to align with your will. And it may we be vessels of your peace, instruments of your love as we strive to embody the essence of this in Jesus' marvelous mighty name. Amen. Here, when we look, we see the most significant journey recorded in the Bible, the journey to the cross. And when we look at this, we're reminded of the hope of heaven and the claim of the power of the gospel message. Because here we look and we see what the Lord is all about. Jesus' journey to Golgotha was incredibly personal and painful. And yet his journey was wonderfully, powerfully, as ultimately conquered death and the grave for all mankind. That power is still changing lives today. And as Christians, we must constantly examine our lives in light of that truth. By looking at the people and the events surrounding Jesus' death on the cross, we can develop an understanding of the significance of Jesus and resurrection. We, as we look at this, must evaluate our spiritual journeys. In light of this, and we look at the confidence of salvation and a life of righteous living, I challenge you to realize that if Jesus died for us, we should accept that gift of salvation and determine to live our lives in the way that would glorify him. And so, I hope that all of us can cultivate a heart of gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen. And so, when we look at the journey of sacrifice, amen, we're reminded of a preordained journey that he's on. And through that preordained journey, each and every one of us, as we look and lives today. We see, first of all, that the lesson of Jesus' journey to the cross is defined by faith, a purpose, and a sacrificial love. I remember reading about the United States Post Office opened in 1790, and it issued its first patent to Samuel Hopkins for a new apparatus for making potash that was signed by President George Washington. Three other patents were granted that year, and since that time, the United States Patent Office has granted over six million patents to worthy inventors. Some were more creative patents that include a screen door for a submarine, a lead balloon, and a drive-thru ATM machine with instructions written in Braille. And each of these devices represents a moment when an idea was born in the mind of the inventor. Each patent represents the idea that occurred a light that suddenly dawned that could solve an age-old problem. You know, has it ever occurred to you that nothing has ever occurred to God? He is omniscient. which means he's all-knowing. He's not startled by events that are happening in the world today because he has always known what was coming. And I'm glad that in Acts chapter 15, verse 18, it bears record of this truth. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. But John chapter 17 is one of the great prayers that's recorded in the Bible. And Jesus, in his omniscience, knew the journey to the cross was upon him. This journey was planned before the beginning of time to save the souls of those who believe in him. And yet, it involved personal betrayal and immense physical pain. And so, Jesus entered, knowing that he was going to be triumphed in Jerusalem, but rejected by the Jewish leaders. He cleansed the temple and gave the Olivet discourse. He ate the Passover meal, walked to the Valley of Kidron. Jesus prayed to his father for himself and then for his disciples. And so, one of the very first things that we see when we look at this Jesus, the journey to the cross. We see a preordained journey, amen, that takes place. The crucifixion and its surrounding events were preordained by God before time began. And I'm glad Jesus began his prayer. And so, when we look at this, reminded of that planned journey, a planned journey, praise God, because through that planned journey we look and we realize that Here we see that John chapter 17 is often referred to as the priestly prayer of Christ. And so it was an intimate journey, amen, that we see. Because this personal journey, this intimate journey, was playing between God the Father and God the Son. And so we see that in John chapter 17, verse one, these words speak, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, Father, the hour has come, glorify thy son, that thy son also may glorify thee. And so in verse two he says, and thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And verse three, and this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And so the journey was also planned before the world was known, before the foundation of the world was created, before the world was, the Father had planned this journey to the cross to become the payment for the sins of mankind. And so out of this, we see a pre-ordained journey, amen, that began to transpire. But oh, so Jesus is an eternal God, and before time came into existence, the virgin birth was planned. His earthly ministry was foreordained. His journey to the cross was predestined. And so, as Peter said in 1 Peter 1, for as much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold from your vain conversation, received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you." And so, through this, we see the journey of sacrifice, a preordained journey, an intimate journey, crafted between the Father and the Son, and conceived before the foundation of the world. But not only a preordained journey, but a purpose-driven journey as well, because we see two primary purposes for that purposeful journey. The first purpose was to give eternal life, and I'm glad that it was an amazing and a wonderful purpose, because he was willing to give his life we are able to experience eternal life in heaven. In 1 John 5, 20, and we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding that we may know Him that is true and we are in Him that is true even in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. And so the first purpose was to give eternal life and that purposeful journey. But secondly, we see the death, his death on the cross was to glorify God. Jesus said in John chapter 17, verse four, which is the one I like to highlight, I have glorified thee on the earth. I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. You see, the sacred reference to the glory of the Father as it states even in John chapter 12 verse 23 and Jesus answered him saying the hours come that the Son of Man should be glorified. You see in both instances Jesus leaked the glorification of God with the crucifixion and so when we look at that We're reminded that God was glorified through Jesus' painful journey to the cross. Jesus allowed God to accomplish his eternal purposes through him. Jesus lived his life on earth aware of and focused on God's mission for him. Hey, are you focused on God's eternal purposes for your life? Are you accomplishing those purposes in a way that glorifies God? And so, we see on the journey of sacrifice that Jesus made, a pre-ordained journey, an intimate journey, a purpose-driven journey to grant eternal life and to bring glory to God. But secondly, we see a journey of suffering because on that painful journey to the cross that took Jesus through the garden of Gethsemane, up Galgotha's hill, where he experienced unbelievable pain, we see that through that journey of suffering, we see deep betrayal. Because in John 18 verse 1, when Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden into the which he entered, and his disciples, God use people in the Bible to illustrate different aspects of our journeys of faith. Some of the characters exemplify a model to follow while others demonstrate characteristics to avoid. But every example given in scripture is for our edification. Two men in this story provide how to avoid on our journeys of faith that Jesus experienced betrayal from a man by the name of Judas. The Bible says in John chapter 18 verse 5 that Judas stood with the men who had come for Jesus. And so when we see this, that Judas arrived with a band of Roman soldiers, perhaps the guard of the Sanhedrin, and he stood with them. He stood with Satan. Judas outwardly appeared to be as one of the disciples, but Jesus knew his heart. And in Matthew chapter 26 verse 48, Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he. Hold him fast. You see, Judas labored side by side with the other disciples, but he betrayed Jesus. He was not a true disciple. And as members of a church, some people walk, they talk, and they act like Christians. but they have never reached Jesus as their savior. I'm afraid to say. Judas walked, he talked, he pretended to be a disciple, but he never truly believed Jesus was God. Listen, are you sure you're a Christian? Is your life free from pretense? May we avoid the acting like Christians when our hearts would reveal otherwise because another disciple, Peter, was there that night also and he was hiding out and he was warming his hands with those that were seeking to kill Jesus. He stood with a wrong crowd and his fear caused him to deny Christ. In the upper room though, Peter had boasted that he would not deny the Lord. In Matthew chapter 26, verses 33 and 34, it says, Peter answered and said to him, though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. Jesus said to him, verily I say unto thee, that this night before the cock crow, thou shall deny me thrice. You know what? The Bible recorded the denial of Peter, who also stood with them, the officers and the servants. And I'm telling you, on further in John chapter 18 that it talks about it. But Peter was recognized with three different times, yet each time Peter denied that he knew Jesus. He did not want to be identified with Jesus Christ. Peter is a picture of a Christian who is ashamed to be identified with Christ. He journeyed daily with Jesus when the miracles and the blessings were evident. Nevertheless, Peter allowed this fear to bring about his denial to Jesus and many, many Christians today. are seeking to blend in with the lost world around them. Rather than standing for God and identifying with Christ, they chose to deny Him. May the example of Peter remind us to stand up for Jesus. May we not cause grief to our Savior by choosing to deny Him in our society today. And so, we see the journey of sacrifice, a preordained journey. And we see the journey of suffering, that it was a deep betrayal, betrayal by Judas and abandoned by Peter, but it was also a severe affliction. because when we look and see the angry mob that had taken Jesus to Pilate, who was Caesar's representative in Judea, Pilate found no fault in Jesus, and yet the physical beating endured by Jesus is almost beyond comprehension. He was treated unfairly and cruelly. Perhaps Pilate thought that scourging Jesus would move the hearts of the Jews so that they would want to see him released, but their hearts were hard. and they were determined to destroy him, and the crowd wanted him to die. They even asked that a common criminal, Barabbas, be released instead. And so, when we look and we see the journey of the sacrifice of Jesus, there was a preordained journey. there was also a journey of suffering. But last and closing, a journey of transformation, because through that transformation, we look and we see that through it, four times Pilate had declared Jesus innocent, and yet under public pressure, he gave in to the crowd and ordered Jesus to be crucified. We could read John chapter 19, verses 17 through 21, Pilate wrote, he wrote everything. The last thing he said, and Pilate wrote a title, put it on the cross, and the writing was Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Jesus, here we see a journey of transformation. There was a transformative power of love because Jesus bore his own cross on his journey to Golgotha, and he did so because of his great love for us. Simon of Cyrene later came and carried it for him. in John chapter 19 verse 17. But I'm glad that when we look at how this wonderful journey of transformation that we look at and that we see, praise God, we know from it how that the Lord did a great work. And so we see the strength in humility, amen, because in that strength, we look and we see that in John chapter 19 verse 18, where they crucified him, the two other with him on either side, one and Jesus in the midst. The crucifixion of Christ bears record of the power of his humility. His humility was displayed as he was crucified between two thieves. The Bible says that he was numbered with the transgressors. And Isaiah 53, 12, therefore I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he hath poured out his soul unto death, and he was numbered with the transgressors, and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. You see, even though that he was treated unfairly, Jesus still offered pardon for sins of the entire world. We can thank the Lord that the first words from the cross were words of forgiveness. In Luke chapter 23, verse 34, Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots. It was a story about an old preacher who had a dream about the crucifixion scene. And in his dream, he was so disgusted with the treatment of his savior that he went up to a Roman soldier and grabbed him from behind. And when the soldier turned around, the preacher saw his face on the soldier and then realized that his own sins had nailed Jesus to the cross. And so when we look and we realize that through the journey of sacrifice of Jesus, a preordained journey. and a journey of suffering. But thirdly, we see the journey of transformation. We saw the transformative power of love, the strength and humility that crucified alongside two criminals, and he extended forgiveness. But lastly, we see the redemptive power, because through that redemptive power, amen, we see in John chapter 19, verse 30, when Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, it is finished, and he bowed his head and he gave up the ghost. The death of Jesus on the cross meant that the payment for our sins had been made. The wages of our sin is death. And Jesus paid our sin when he died on that cross. Boy, thank God we look and we see that redemptive power. that was rendered. And so, it reminds me of D.M. Stearns was preaching in Philadelphia, and at the close of the service, a stranger came up to him and said, I don't like the way you spoke about the cross. I think that instead of emphasizing the death of Christ, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example. Stearns replied, if I presented Christ in that way, would you be willing to follow him? That guy said, I certainly would, said the stranger without hesitation. All right then, said the preacher. Let's take the first step. He did no sin. Can you claim that for yourself? The man looked confused and somewhat surprised. Why no, he said. I acknowledge that I do sin, Stearns replied. Then your greatest need is that to have a savior and not an example. You know, redemption, the setting free of one who was in bondage by paying not only the payment made, but atonement that was accomplished. The famous pastor, Baptist pastor R.G. Lee, visited Golgotha on a trip to the Holy Land. Dr. Lee wanted to go to the top of the hill, but was discouraged by his guide. Eventually, Dr. Lee was permitted to walk up the hill. Finally, as they reached the top, the guide asked him, have you ever been here before? Dr. Lee said, yes, some 2,000 years ago. I was his ransom price. Boy, ain't you glad that every one of us was the price that he paid that day on the cross. Thank you, Jesus. When we look and realize that the journey of sacrifice was a preordained journey, an intimate journey crafted between the Father and the the sun, concede between the foundations of the world, a purpose-driven journey to grant eternal life and to bring glory to God. It was a journey of suffering, of deep betrayal, betrayed by Judas and abandoned by Peter, and it was a severe affliction. But here we see finally a journey of transformation. the transformative power of love, the strength in humility, crucified alongside two criminals, extended forgiveness was the first thing, and the redemptive power, the sacrifice was rendered, and atonement was fulfilled. Thank God. I'm glad that when we look at the crucifixion. It could have taken place on either a Thursday. It could have taken place on a Friday. Most people believe it to be Friday. But during the three days, Jesus was in the tomb. It may have seemed like Judas had won. It may have seemed like Pilate's indifference was the politically correct way to go, but Sunday was coming. It's Friday, Jesus is praying, Peter's sleeping, Judas is betraying, but Sunday's coming. It's Friday, Pilate's struggling, the council's conspiring, the crowd is vilifying. They don't even know that Sunday's coming. It's Friday, the disciples are running like sheep without a shepherd. Mary's crying, Peter's denying, but they don't know that Sunday's coming. It's Friday, the Romans beat Jesus. They robbed him and took his scarlet robe. They crowned him with thorns, but they don't know that Sunday's coming. It's Friday, see, Jesus is walking to Calvary, his blood's dripping, his body's stumbling, and his spirit is burdened. You see, but it's only Friday and Sunday's coming. Friday, the world's winning people that are sinning and evil is grinning. But I'm gonna tell you, when we look at the journey of Jesus, and we see what it was all about, the importance of a prayer, that what Jesus taught, the means of connection with God, that his prayer emphasizes the need for all believers to seek God's glory and purpose in our lives. Amen. It was a call to unity as well. And so Jesus teaches that unity is not merely about agreement, but about reflecting the love and the purpose of God. And I'm glad that in a world often divided by differences, Jesus' call to unity challenges us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ, amen. The significance of the sacrifice as Jesus approached that cross, he fully understood the magnitude of his sacrifice. And he teaches that true love demonstrated through sacrifice that his journey to the cross illustrated the path of faith that involves personal sacrifice for the sake of others. Amen. And so, Jesus's journey to the cross is a statement to his faith, his love, and his purpose, and through prayer, Through unity, through sacrifice, and through faithfulness, he exemplifies what it means to walk in obedience to God's will, because his journey encourages us to pursue our faith with the same in the transformation. You imagine a family prepared for a big reunion, and as they gather, some members arrive early to set up, while others are busy bringing dishes. However, amidst all of this, there's one family member who takes the time to pray, asking for unity asking for love to permeate the entire event and when they finally sit down together, laughter and joy fill the air. You see, this simple act of prayer sets a tone of togetherness that strengthens their bonds. And so, I remember reading about a pastor that shared how he felt being overwhelmed when he was first appointed to lead his congregation. In his first sermon, he spoke of the challenges and he expressed his fear of leading a group with different opinions and backgrounds. But later he realized that his role was not only to lead, but also to intercede for his congregation, just as Jesus intercedes for them. And I'm glad that each and every one of us, Jesus's intercessory prayer teaches us the importance of lifting others up in prayer, seeking God's guidance for collective purpose and direction, amen. And so I remember reading about a young girl that lived in a neighborhood plagued by crime and hopelessness. And despite her surroundings, she chose to be a beacon of life. Light, she organized community cleanups, invited her neighbors to her home for discussions, improving the community. Her actions led to a change in the neighborhood, showcasing how one person's commitment to love and serve can impact an entire community. Jesus prayed also for his followers to be witnesses to the world. And in today, we are the lights that are in darkness, demonstrating our faith through love, and service, drawing others to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And so we come to a close of Jesus, the journey to the cross. And I hope and pray that as we come to that close, that each and every one of you knows that God's had a wonderful, powerful journey for each and every one of us. a preordained journey, a journey of suffering and a journey of transformation. Amen. And so, Heavenly Father, As we end our time together, we come to give thanks for the insights that we've received from John chapter 17, verse four. And we're reminded of the depth of Jesus's love, his desire for our unity, not just for our benefit, but for the glory of your name. Empower us to live out the call to unity in our families, in our communities, and in our churches. May we reflect the love and the oneness that you desire among us, breaking down the barriers, fostering reconciliation. Let the words of Jesus resonate in our hearts as we walk in his footsteps, bear witness to the world of his transformative grace. And Lord, remind us that we're not alone in this journey. You have called us to be a part of a greater family, bound together by faith and love. that we carry the essence of this prayer into our lives and share the hope and the joy of your salvation with all that we encounter. In Jesus's marvelous mighty name, amen. you