“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21 ESV).
In these verses, we hear the heart of Jesus as He prays not only for His disciples but for all future believers. That includes us today. His prayer was not limited to the eleven who were with Him in the upper room. He looked ahead to generations of believers who would come to faith through the message of the gospel preached by the apostles. Jesus prayed that we would be one, united in faith and love, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not superficial agreement. It is a deep spiritual oneness rooted in the life and love of God Himself. Jesus prayed that our unity would be a testimony to the world that the Father sent Him. Our love for one another is not optional. It is essential to our witness.
Jesus prayed for us. That is a powerful thought. Before the cross, He thought of us and lifted us up to the Father. He prayed that we would believe the gospel, be united with one another, and experience the same communion that exists within the Godhead. How seriously do we take His prayer? Are we walking in unity with other believers? Are we striving to reflect the oneness Jesus prayed for? We often think of unity as something passive, but Jesus calls us to pursue it as a witness to the world. Let us lay aside division, bitterness, and pride. Let us walk together in the truth of the gospel, so that the world may see Jesus in us.
We can rest in knowing that the Lord Jesus still prays for us. He sits at the right hand of the Father continually interceding for those who belong to Him (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1). Jesus prays for us.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You that Jesus prayed for us. He saw us even before we were born and brought us before You in prayer. Help us to live in a way that honors His prayer. Make us one as You are one. Remove every barrier that hinders unity in Your church. Teach us to love one another with the love of Christ. May our oneness reflect Your glory and cause the world to believe that You sent Your Son. In Jesus’ name, amen.