From Sorrow To Joy

In what is often called his “farewell discourse,” Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure by demonstrating his love, instructing them on how to abide in him and live as a Spirit-led disciple-making community, and praying for their protection, faithfulness, and unity. Thus through his actions, words, and prayer, Jesus invites his followers into loving intimacy and sends them into the world to bear fruit for gospel witness. As followers of Christ today, we enjoy that same invitation and share that same mission. As Jesus prayed for us, “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” (Jn. 17:23). So join us this fall as we respond to his gracious invitation to know his love and make it known through Spirit-empowered witness.