United in Glory

Big Idea: Before Jesus rose for you He prayed for you, and the resurrection secured everything He asked.

[Hold up smartphone with Instagram open]

Imagine for a moment: What if you could see Jesus's final prayer requests before the cross? Not a hastily whispered "God, help me" but His deliberate, passionate plea to the Father. What if that prayer—prayed 2,000 years ago—had YOUR name on it?

That's not fantasy—it's exactly what we find in John 17, often called Jesus's "High Priestly Prayer." Jesus functions as a priest, mediating between God and us— And here's the stunning part: in verses 20-26, Jesus specifically says, "I am not praying for these alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their message."

That's us. On the night before He died, Jesus was thinking about YOU. He prays to his Father. The only extended prayer we have recorded in scripture. The first verses of chapter 17, he prays for himself— and his direct relationship with His Father in heaven— from verses 7-19, we read Jesus’ tender prayer for his disciples there with him.

On this Easter Sunday, as we celebrate the resurrection, I want us to look back at what was on Jesus's heart before He went to the cross. Because His prayer reveals what His death and resurrection were meant to accomplish in our lives. I don’t want to get too dramatic here— but starting in verse 20— he prayed for you!

John 17:20 “20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,”

Jesus prays "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us."

He knew that His work was not ending with those 11 guys— he knew it was just beginning! And His work will go way beyond. Jesus knew that the work would echo throughout history— enduring right up today.

There are estimated 1 billion people who claim a belief in Jesus— right now on earth. And billions more that have believed in him and have passed away since he was here—- Jesus left this world, not with a vague hope that these guys would carry on— no, he knew. He knew— and again I’m not trying to be too crazy here— but in a way that it’s only possible with God—he knew you would be here today. He prayed for us.

Look at the first part of verse 21:

Jesus prayed for our unity. (v.20-21)

John 17:21 NIV

21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.

He envisioned the great multitude that will be gathered at the end of time— from every nation, every tribe, every race— and together they would be ONE. Rise above all their differences. Languages, cultures, social-economic situations— Jesus prays that His glory would transcend all that.

For the disciples there that day— that unity was pretty easy— they were all very different, but not that different. They were all from the same region of the world— same language, same cultural heritage. But Jesus came for ALL mankind.

I have had the chance, maybe you have too— to meet someone from a totally different country, perhaps from a whole other part of the world… But when they believe in Jesus, there is a connection that we have had— to pray for each other, to share encouragement— there’s really nothing like it. It’s part of the answer to Jesus’ prayer here.

Now- if you look around long enough and close enough— You’re going to see that Christians don’t always get along. We can find ways to disagree about a lot. Why? If Jesus prayed this wonderful prayer? SIN. That’s it. We’re not free from our own pride, selfishness, greed, SIN. And I tend to think it’s YOUR Sin— right? It’s in our wiring.

Sometimes we question whether it’s even possible! But go back to what Jesus prays— as the source of the unity:

“That they may be one IN US.”

A. Unity is rooted in the Trinity.

It’s a unity IN JESUS. We aren’t going to have unity in language, preferences, experiences, — we will not have unity even in our institutions— like churches or businesses...

If the entire body of believers everywhere looked like Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, that would not be a good thing. We love this church— we love the way we do stuff. I personally have a great deal of influence over this— But to think that everyone should do it our way—-That would be a bad thing. It’s not about that— that’s too superficial.

Also, this isn't just team spirit or only about getting along and being nice. Jesus is praying that we would experience the same kind of unity that exists between the Father and Son—a perfect harmony of purpose, love, and mission.

Think about it: The Father and Son have existed in perfect relationship for all eternity. No drama. No ghosting each other. No passive-aggressive comments or criticisms. Perfect love, trust, and unity. It’s not uniformity— it’s unity. There is a difference.

Paul describes this really well in some of his writing:

Ephesians 4:3 NIV

3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

That is beautiful. Jesus made the unity, we “KEEP it. The Holy Spirit is near us— and near to those who believe.

Remember that when you are disagreeing with another believer— “ the spirit in me, is the same spirit in you— “ we will find unity— maybe not uniformity, but UNITY. Help us get there, Lord Jesus.

If you’ve been able to find that peace with someone— because of Jesus’ prayer—

And Jesus prays, "I want them to have THAT."

Jesus didn't pray we'd all just get along. He prayed we'd experience the unity He has with the Father.

We benefit from this unity in lots of ways— but there is another reason for it also:

look at the end of verse 21:

John 17:21 NIV

21 ... May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

B. Unity that convinces the world.

Notice Jesus gives us the "why" behind this unity: "that the world may believe that You sent Me."

He wanted to have the world see it—

Our unity isn't just for our benefit—it's evangelistic! When Christians genuinely love each other across all the barriers that typically divide people—race, politics, socioeconomic status—the world takes notice.

It is a powerful witness to see people who should probably NOT get along, get along not only just to be nice, but to truly LOVE each other with Christ-like love.

[Share brief example of unity across differences that made an impact]

In a world of division and polarization, genuine unity stands out like a neon sign. Jesus knew that our love for each other would be more convincing than our arguments.

In a world of division, Christian unity isn't just refreshing—it's revolutionary.

But that is not all that Jesus prayed:

John 17:22 NIV

22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—

Jesus prayed for us to receive His glory. (v.22-23)

Jesus is resurrected! That’s pretty glorious. That’s what today is all about!

And He prays to share that Glory with us.

A. It is glory received from Jesus

Look at verse 22: "And the glory which You gave Me I have given them."

Wait, what? Jesus gives us the same glory the Father gave Him? That seems...excessive.

What is this glory? It's not just a shining face or a halo in religious paintings. The glory Jesus received was the Father's presence and power manifested in His life. And He says He has given us the same glory.

This is why Paul could write in Colossians that "Christ in you" is the "hope of glory." The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you!

Basically what we read in this section of his prayer— Where the GLORY of God is— unity is easy.

And it’s been my experience that when that Glory is lost, or is not centered— that’s when we Christians tend to argue or disagree alot.

Jesus didn't just die to forgive your sins. He rose to share His glory with you and me!

John 17:23 NIV

23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

B. It is glory that makes us perfect.

Verse 23 says this glory leads us to "be made complete." The Greek word "complete" (Telieos) here means perfect or mature. Jesus is praying that through His glory in us, we would grow to spiritual maturity.

That word is used directly by Jesus on the cross— can you remember where he said it? Telieos: Yes, John 19:30

John 19:30 NIV

30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Think about that for a minute.

What was he thinking about as he breathed his last breath on that cross— telios- perfect, complete, finished.

Easter isn't just about Jesus conquering death—it's about Him sharing that victory with us! The resurrection power that raised Jesus is now working in us to transform us into His image. To make us perfect— some of you have a little further to go than others...

The glory Jesus gives doesn't just save us—it changes us. Day by day, we're becoming more like Him.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now rolling away everything that keeps you from being perfect.

He restates that point he prayed for earlier— That the glory of God would be shown through our unity with each other, and through our transformational life playing out in front of people.

That is why love and unity is so important among believers in Jesus.

We need his unity and we need his glory— I want his unity and his glory for our church— for you life. I know we mess it up sometimes—

We error on both sides of Love—

Right?- there is this demand for a righteousness— I demand you be like be, because I love you… There is a standard.

Or it’s too permissive, Do whatever you want— because I love you! There is no standard...

Ahh but Jesus came full of Grace and Truth. He embodies both— God give us discernment. Let’s throw ourselves on the Spirit of God so we don’t fall off on to either side!

He prayed for our Unity— He prayed for our Glory—

John 17:24 NIV

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

Jesus prayed for our eternity. (v.24)

Jesus wants you to be with him. Who are the “those you gave me”?

A. We have a future hope with Jesus.

In verse 24, Jesus expresses His ultimate desire: "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am."

Jesus wasn't content with saving us from a distance. He wants us with Him! The cross wasn't just about forgiveness—it was about relationship.

This is why the Bible ends with God dwelling with His people. The entire story of Scripture is moving toward eternal communion between God and humanity.

Jesus didn't die just to forgive you. He died to be with you.

It’s not just transactional. It’s relational.

That’s hope that endures. I know the end of the story for my life. It’s in Jesus.

John 17:25 NIV

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.

John 17:26 NIV

26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

B. We have an eternal love in Christ (v.25-26)

Jesus concludes His prayer with this: "that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

Whoa— ok, let’s parse out all these pronouns here:

Who is the YOU? God the Father

Who is the ME? God the Son

Who is the THEM? US. That’s you and Me.

The love between the Father and Son—a love that has existed for all eternity—is now available to us. We aren't just forgiven sinners; we're beloved children.

This epic prayer— all that Jesus is going to endure and go through in the next day— he points us to the greatest truth that we could eve know in the universe.

Jesus Loves me this I know—

If you take love out of this life— we are in deep trouble.

The tomb is empty because God's love can't be contained, even by death.

Jesus’ prayer includes me.

Let me bring this home. On the night before Jesus died, He prayed for you. He asked the Father for three things on your behalf:

That you would experience supernatural unity with other believers

That you would receive and reflect His glory

That you would be with Him forever, experiencing the Father's love

When Jesus rose from the dead three days later, He wasn't just conquering death—He was securing everything He prayed for. The resurrection is God's "YES" to Jesus's prayer.

Are you experiencing what Jesus prayed for you?

Are you connected to His body in genuine unity?

Are you living in His glory—His presence and power—daily?

Are you secure in His love and eternal purpose for your life?

Easter isn't just history. It's your invitation to everything Jesus prayed for you.

INVITATION

Perhaps you're here today and you realize you're not yet part of the "those who will believe" that Jesus was praying for. You've celebrated Easter, but you've never personally accepted what Easter offers.

Today can be your resurrection day. Jesus died for your sins, rose to give you new life, and is praying for you to join His family

If you're ready to respond to Jesus's prayer for you, I invite you to pray with me right now...

[Prayer of salvation]

For those who have made this decision, we want to connect with you immediately after the service. There are team members waiting [location] who want to give you resources to begin your journey with Jesus.

Remember, Easter isn't just a day we celebrate—it's a reality we can live in every day. Because of the resurrection, everything Jesus prayed for you is possible. Let's not just remember His prayer—let's experience it.

Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.

Watchman Nee

Let’s Pray.