Silence

John 17.26 — 25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

There is something of an echo to the Genesis story here, for just as the Father rested after the work of creation had been complete, so here we see a Father resting in Christ, silent, in the tomb. There is a pause which is filled with the expectation of the dawning of new life of resurrection Sunday but just now, there is silence.

What Jesus accomplished on the cross was something far more significant than simply on Good Friday. Rather, the im- pact and trajectory of the cross would resonate with the whole of creation. By this, the whole world would know that the death of Jesus defeated the evil that is in the world.

Again, as the mediator and Great High Priest, Jesus prays for those who one day, will join the band of the disciples, in years, decades and centuries to come. Consider how the disciples may have reacted at this point, probably confused and somewhat disturbed. That sense of hearing something you just don’t understand yet it doesn't feel comfortable.

But he prays something incredibly significant for us as a church, that we would be one. In the silence of Saturday pray for believers across Teesside. That we might be one as our God is one. Think about one of the other churches in Mid- dlesbrough and pray God’s richest blessing upon them.

Stop and breathe.

Father, may all your people be one, as you through the prayer of Jesus resounded so clearly. Help me be a blessing to other believers around our town. Show us, as MCC, what we can do to fulfil this part of your prayer.