21 Days In John - Day 17: The Power Of Unity

Please Read John chapter 17

Key Verse:

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they may be one, as You Father are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that you sent Me” John 17:20-21 [NKJV]

Only John records the High Priestly prayer of Jesus. Jesus prays for Himself as He is approaching His death [verses 1-5]. He then prays specifically for His disciples [verses 6-19] and then prays for all would come to believe on Him [verses 20].

At the heart of Jesus’ prayer is a desire that His children should be one just as He and His Father are one. There is tremendous power in unity. In Genesis 11:6 God said that because the people were one nothing would be impossible for them. He was speaking about ungodly men. If God’s children are united how much more would the impossible become possible?

At Pentecost the believers in the upper room were in one accord. Jesus said that agreement is a key to answered prayer [Matthew 18:19]. Paul told the Ephesians to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit [Ephesians 4:3].

Unity is not uniformity! God made each of us uniquely different, but we need to allow the Holy Spirit to develop within us those characteristics that make unity possible –humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and tenderheartedness. Two things will change the world – Christians who are united together and who love one another [see John 13:35].

Questions:

What practical steps will I take to make sure that I am one with all of my fellow believers?

Sometimes oneness is not possible, but am I doing everything that I can do to be at peace with all men [see Romans 12:18]?

Ruth Graham said, “It is impossible to genuinely pray that God would bless someone and at the same time have a wrong attitude towards them.” Is there someone I need to pray for?