Jesus Prays for Christian Unity – John 17:21
Jesus prayer continues: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.” John 17:21 (NLT)
At first blush one might think this part of Jesus’ prayer has gone unanswered. There are so many examples of poor relations between Christians, and they have gone on for years.
Jesus’ example is in his own relationship with his Heavenly Father. He wants that same relationship with us. Let us resolve to be one in spirit with Christ every day.
Before we lose faith over all the failures we see between Christians, one to another, we need to remember that the Bible tells us “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” Phil 2:10 (NLT). Jesus prayer will be answered fully in his time.
Father God, help me to daily find room in my heart for you to live and grow. Grant me a deep seated hunger to want to know you more and more each day. May the peace that comes from knowing you help me to live in unity with all who seek to follow you.
John 17:20-26 (read and/or listen to the full passage below)
20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!
25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”
–John 17:20-26 (NLT)