DAY 29: The Power of Oneness and the Cost of Resurrection
Reading John 17-19
As we journey into Day 29 of the RedIn30 reading cycle, today's focus takes us through Luke chapters 17 to 19—an intense and pivotal stretch of Scripture that uncovers Jesus' heart, His identity, and His sacrifice.
In chapter 17, we find Jesus praying a deeply intimate prayer to God. He affirms that He has completed His assignment and now pleads on behalf of those God gave Him. “Keep them,” He says. “Take care of them. Make sure they're good.” But most powerfully, He prays, “Let them be one as we are one.” This reveals something profound: being one with God isn't some rare spiritual status—it's actually normal. Jesus is showing us that unity with the Father was always the original design. That kind of divine oneness isn’t just aspirational—it’s accessible.
Moving into chapter 18, we witness betrayal and denial. Judas sells Him out. Peter, who swore allegiance, denies even knowing Him. Yet in the midst of this betrayal, Jesus shows unwavering clarity about who He is. When the soldiers come looking for Him and say they’re seeking “Jesus of Nazareth,” He boldly replies, “I am He.” That simple, powerful statement causes them to fall back. That’s the weight of true identity. When you know who you are, even opposition can’t stand against it.
Then Jesus does something even more striking. He steps forward again and says, “I told you, I am He. Take me and let these others go.” This is more than leadership—it’s substitution. It’s Jesus literally taking the fall so others can live. This moment is the embodiment of sacrificial love. It’s what it looks like to take the rap so someone else can walk free.
Chapter 19 brings us to the crucifixion. Jesus is taken, beaten, and hung on a cross. And this too is normal—not in the sense of casual suffering, but in the reality that when you truly give your life for people, many will not only betray you, but also act like you never did anything for them. They’ll deny you. They’ll forget your sacrifice. And Jesus knew that. Yet He still went. Because that’s what love does. That’s what resurrection requires.
And then comes the moment. With His final breath, Jesus says three words that change everything: “It is finished.” That declaration isn’t one of defeat—it’s one of completion. The work. The mission. The purpose. All of it—fulfilled.
Enjoy today’s reading.
Let’s Read/Listen to John 17-19!
There are a few ways you can get the reading done: listen below via our YouTube video, open up the Bible App of your choice, or simply turn to the pages in your physical Bible.
Be sure to give your take in the comments and join our chat for further conversation.
