June 1st, 2025

United in His Love: The Prayer of Unity

Bible Passage: John 17:20-26

Summary: In this powerful high priestly prayer, Jesus petitions the Father not only for His disciples but for all believers, emphasizing unity, love, and the mission of the church.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to seek unity in the body of Christ, reminding us that our shared purpose is to reflect God’s love to the world. It calls us to overcome divisions within the church and fosters a deeper commitment to support and love one another.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that unity is essential for the church's witness to the world. It emphasizes that Jesus' desire for His followers is not just for spiritual unity but a tangible expression of His love that draws others to Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this prayer, we see Christ as the mediator who intercedes for us, longing for us to experience the same perfect love and unity that He shares with the Father. This sets a model for how believers are to relate to one another and to God, highlighting Christ's role in the redemptive plan of God.

Big Idea: Christ calls us to unity in love, reflecting His relationship with the Father, as a vital witness to the world of His transformative nature.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the cultural context of Jewish prayer and its implications for understanding Jesus' intentions. Utilize Logos to examine the different translations of key terms such as 'unity' and 'love,' along with commentaries that discuss the significance of the church's mission in the New Testament. Analyzing related passages in Ephesians may also enhance your insights into the church's role in manifesting unity.

1. United by His Inclusive Prayer

John 17:20-21

You could begin by emphasizing the inclusiveness of Jesus' prayer, highlighting that it extends to all who believe in Him through the word of His disciples. Jesus prays for unity among believers, mirroring the unity He shares with the Father. This unity is intended to be a testimony to the world of God's love and the truth of Christ's mission. By focusing on this, you can encourage the congregation to reflect on their role in maintaining and promoting unity within the church, motivated by Christ's own example and prayer for us.

2. Unity Through Shared Glory

John 17:22-23

Perhaps highlight how Jesus gives His glory to believers as a means of fostering unity, creating a powerful witness to the world of God's love. The glory shared among believers is intended to perfect unity, inviting them to reflect Christ's relationship with the Father. Emphasize the tangible expression of His love through this unity, urging the listeners to actively participate in nurturing relationships that showcase God's love to others. This point challenges believers to live out the glory bestowed upon them, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ.

3. Union in Eternal Love

John 17:24-26

Maybe stress the longing of Jesus for His followers to be with Him and to behold His glory, as this reveals His deep love and desire for intimate fellowship with His people. This portion of the prayer showcases the ultimate purpose of unity—to be in the divine presence and know the love of God intimately. Highlight that our unity and love toward one another are reflections of our ultimate union with Christ. Encourage the congregation to seek deeper spiritual unity that transcends earthly divisions, inspired by Jesus' ongoing intercession for us.