Read
John 17:20-26
Consider
From an early age, we are exposed to living in a divisive world. Whether it be rivalries of sports teams or the competitive nature of brands or franchises, the choice to be for one side often means that you are against another. Even in our schools, the cliques of the athletes, the popular, the academics, the musicians, and every group in between exemplifies the fracture of our culture and society. When we get older, the opposition of political parties, war among countries, and disparity of race, gender, and religion reinforce the default divisive and antagonistic modes that we both consciously and unconsciously participate in.
Jesus entered into a world that was similar to our own and pointed to a new way. His Kingdom would be one of reconciliation and he prayed for unity among His followers. He understood that even though his disciples closely journeyed alongside of him, their tendency would not be to come together, but to fight among themselves about who was the greatest. They would treat Jews & Gentiles differently and exclude others.
In the moments before going to the cross, Jesus prays that His followers would be One, just as He and the Father were one. He intercedes on their behalf, asking that as they were in Him, they would extend the same love and grace to one another in a way that moves them toward unity. In a divisive world, the love of God demonstrated in the life of a community of belonging and hope breaks through the dark and destructive forces at work. It is a witness to the Kingdom of God taking root in the lives of the disciples and a lived out reality that Jesus draws His followers into. Would we hold fast to His call to practice and pray for unity as He empowers us through His presence.
Pastor Jon Nip
Pray
Gracious God, we pray in the same way that Jesus did, asking for unity among all those who believe and trust in Him. Would the example of His unity with You be the standard that we strive for in our community as we surrender to your leading and transforming work among us. Move us to join your work in the world through the practice of unity and let the ways in which we are joined together by your Spirit be a witness and invitation to a divisive world.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Diving Deeper
How would you describe the relationship between Jesus and His Heavenly Father?
How might that same love and unity be lived out among those who are in Christ?
How do we make space in our lives for those who are different from us?
In what ways can our unity in Christ impact our neighbourhoods and our world?