Unity

VERSE: John 17:20-23
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 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. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

SERIES: “Things Jesus Said” in the book of John

DEVOTION
After the Last Supper and before Jesus is arrested, Jesus spends time talking with his disciples about what to expect. Then he prays to his Father for them. Since it is recorded, they must have been there listening to his prayer for them. But he also says he is praying for those “who will believe in me through their message”. That’s us!! What is Jesus asking his Father, the God of the universe, for you and me?

Unity. Jesus is praying for us to have a special kind of unity, similar to the unity that he has with his Father. This is the unity of the trinity. The Jews often prayed, “The Lord our God, the Lord is one” even though in Genesis it says, “Let us make man in our image”. This is a unity beyond what we can understand. It is more than believing the same things. Jesus said he is doing what he sees the Father doing.

It’s hard for us to even understand how close he wants us to be. I am close to my kids and grandkids. I hope you are close to those in your family. But we have different thoughts and beliefs and gifts and desires. So how do we find this unity with other believers?
It’s clear that Jesus is the bridge. He says that he has given us his glory so that he can be in us just as his Father is in him. He is the way, the truth, and the light.

Why does Jesus pray that we have unity with other believers? Our unity shows that the love of God is bigger than ANYTHING that may try to divide us in the world. This unity reflects the love we have for each other and for all people, which comes from God’s love for every person. Doesn’t the world need more unity and love? I would ask that, especially during the Christmas season, you reflect on those areas that divide you from others and remember Jesus’ prayer for you to be in unity with all believers and to seek, love and care for all people just as Jesus does.

PRAYER
Thank you, Jesus, for caring for us and for praying for us. We need your prayers for unity. Help us to see others as you see them. Holy Spirit, guide us this holiday season and through next year to focus on what unites us, your love for all of us.

AUTHOR: Brad Dunn