That They May Be One
In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples and future believers, emphasizing the importance of unity among them. He expresses His desire for all to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not merely an outward appearance but is rooted in a deep spiritual connection, where believers are "in Christ" and He is "in them." Jesus highlights that His glory, which comes from fulfilling the Father's will, is shared with His followers, enabling them to have eternal life. The oneness He seeks is patterned after the perfect unity of the Godhead, characterized by mutual indwelling. Jesus also addresses the relationship between believers and the world, asserting that while they live in the world, they are not of it. This distinction is crucial for maintaining unity among believers. The prayer emphasizes that true unity is based on shared life in Christ, not on external agreements or compromises. Ultimately, this unity serves as a testimony to the world of Christ's mission and the Father's love for His people. Jesus' prayer for oneness remains relevant today, calling believers to reflect His love and unity in their lives.
- Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17
- Importance of being "in Christ"
- Unity modeled after the Godhead
- Believers' relationship with the world
- True unity based on shared life in Christ
- Unity as a testimony to the world
- Relevance of Jesus' prayer today
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
