The Message of John (Lesson 22)
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“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one.”
—John 17:20
In John 17, Jesus prays for his disciples to display unity before the watching world.
Jesus prays that all believers would be “one,” just as he and the Father are one. Unity is where a group of people live in agreement concerning a common interest.
Our common interest is the saving blood and Lordship of Jesus.
Bound together by blood, unity in Christ that transcends ethnicity, denominational affilation, nationalities, etc. Furthermore, that kind of unity that centers on the subsitutionary life, death, resurrection, and present reign of Jesus testifies to the truth of the gospel before the watching world.
“I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one.”
—John 17:20
Unity does not mean uniformity. Rather, it emphasizes a deep connection that transcends secondary differences. It is a unity in the core message of the gospel, that sinners are reconciled to God by grace.
It is this message that unifies believers in their mission to proclaim the good news of Jesus to the world.
The Basis of This Unity
The oneness Jesus prays for is only possible because of the Father’s love, the Son’s sacrifice, and the Spirit’s presence.
The Father’s love is the source of our unity. In John 17:23-26, Jesus prays that we would experience the love of the Father as he does. This love is the foundation of our unity, and it is a love that is patient, kind, and enduring.
The Son’s sacrifice is the basis of our unity. In John 17:19, Jesus prays that we would be made holy in the truth. This truth is found in the heart of the gospel, which is tethered to the death and resurrection of Jesus. It is his blood, not ethnicity, denominational affiliation, or any other worldly distinctive, that unites us as one.
The Spirit’s presence is the power of our unity. In John 17:21, Jesus prays that we would be protected and kept in the truth. He knows that the Spirit will continue to lead and guide, empowering us to live in unity as we testify to the transforming truth of the gospel.
Discussion Questions
What does Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 say about the importance of unity among believers?
Explain the difference between unity and uniformity among? How do we sometimes get that backward?
What are some practical ways that Christians can demonstrate their unity, even when diversity exists?
In what ways might the lack of Christian unity hinder the spread of the gospel?
How does the cross create the glue for Christian unity?
Can Christian unity be experienced without sacrificing theological differences?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus, who prayed for our unity in John 17.
We recognize that unity among believers is essential for the spread of the gospel and for testifying to the world that you came to unify a people by your shed blood for our sins. Help us not to get stuck with demands for uniformity before we'll show practical love for and toward each other. But rather, let us seek a unity of spirit to the degree it is possible.
To that end, we pray for protection from the schemes of the evil one as you sanctify us through your truth.
For we pray in Jesus' name, Amen.