20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 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.” (John 17:20 – 26, New International Version)
Theme: Discipleship
Context:
Thanks for your insightful comments about the word of God yesterday. Jesus’ prayer for His disciples echoes His response to the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:4), quoting Deuteronomy 8:3: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Your comments emphasize the importance of the word of God to His disciples. This importance cannot be overstated!
We now continue our examination of John 17 to gain insights into the subject matters that really mattered to Jesus and His disciples. Today, we move to the second section of Jesus’ prayer for His disciples. Just as we found repeated references to the word of God in yesterday’s Scripture passage, in today’s Scripture passage we find repeated references to another subject, unity. Based on the priority Jesus gave this subject in His prayer, all His disciples should likewise make this a top priority.
Bible Passage:
Our Scripture passage today captures the last section of Jesus’ prayer in John 17 where Jesus prays for generations of disciples. Please prayerfully read the passage and consider the questions below.
Questions:
Please highlight the references to unity (including phrases such as “be one,” “in me,” “in you,” or “in them”) in the passage above and note the purpose for each reference.
- How many references do you see?
- Based on your notes, why is unity of utmost importance to disciples of Jesus?
March 27, 2024 at 5:06 am
Wow, I noted 13 references. When thinking of unity, oneness of purpose, being, working and staying together, and helping and supporting each other. Disciples must try to illustrate, behave and act aligned with Jesus’ life and most important have God in their heart. People should “see” Jesus in disciples for example through the fruits of the spirit. As disciples, we should endeavor to continuously bring others into Christ, and to pursue a life pleasing to God.
March 27, 2024 at 7:03 am
I saw 13 references to unity. The disciples knew that to be divided instead of showing love would hurt and offend the gospel of Christ and nothing could destroy the work of the gospel more than their division. The disciples knew the importance that all believers had to be one with the Father and the Son, “so that the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:21).
March 27, 2024 at 7:34 am
I see 12 references.
Unity is essential with regard to discipleship. Working as “one body” (one in the Spirit; one in Jesus) to achieve the single objective of leading people to Christ, should be our goal. Great strength will be from the bond we as disciples build with God and Jesus.
March 27, 2024 at 8:45 am
There are 13 references. Unity is important in discipleship. Everyone should be in one accord, having faith, trust , love for God and willingness to obey. These are essential for each individual or group of disciples carrying out the important role of discipleship with the common goal of spreading the gospel, that would lead to understanding and acceptance of Jesus ‘gift of salvation. The greatest gift one can ever receive. .