When we come together in unity, we have the ability to share the beautiful message of Jesus with a hurting world. But when we are out of tune, the result is chaos and confusion.
In John 17, Jesus prays what appears to be his final prayer before his betrayal, arrests, and crucifixion. Imagine knowing what was ahead, what would be his final prayer request. Would it be for safety or protections? Would it be for deliverance from evil? No, his final prayer was for his followers. Here’s what he prayed… he said, “Father, let them be one.”
His prayer was dominated by a single thought – that his followers would be united in heart and purpose, so that the world would know why Jesus came.
As Jesus prays he knows he is about to leave His followers behind in a very tough world. He knows the persecution that is coming. He knows the temptations they will face. He knew how Satan would work to divide his disciples, so he prays for them. “Father, let them be one…”
When we come together with all of conflict, broken relationships, political division, dysfunctional families, and fractured communities…when we come together in unity it is a sign to the world that God is a work here.
Disunity brings confusion to our fellowship. It clouds our witness to the community. It brings a reproach upon the witness of Jesus. It brings discouragement and despair to a congregation. Satan knows that if he can divide us, it will keep us from being healthy and it will keep us from reaching people for Christ.
So, Jesus prays that his 12 disciples would be one, that they would come together in unity. But he doesn’t just pray for the 12, he prays for you and me too.
John 17:20 - “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”
Let’s hear the call of our savior to come together as one body, one church, serving one savior. While we have different opinions and preferences, we surrender them to unite around our mission of sharing Jesus with the world.
