Welcome back to "A Word from the Vine." I'm Pastor Loren, and now in this fifth episode of our series, "Eternal Intercession - The Unity, Sanctification, and Love of Christ’s Prayer", we turn to verses 20-23 in the Book of John, Chapter 17. In these verses, Jesus’ prayer takes on a universal scope, reaching across time and space to include all who would come to believe in Him. His words are a profound expression of His heart for the church universal—the body of believers that would grow and flourish long after His ascension.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word” (John 17:20 ESV). Here, Jesus extends His intercession beyond the immediate group of disciples to all future generations of believers. His concern is not just for the men and women who have followed Him during His earthly ministry, but for every person who would come to faith through the gospel message they would proclaim. This is a prayer that transcends the boundaries of time, encompassing all who would ever enter into the family of God.
The unity Jesus prays for is profound. “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us” (John 17:21 ESV). This is not a superficial or organizational unity, but a deep spiritual unity that reflects the oneness of the Father and the Son. It is a unity of essence, purpose, and love—a unity that is so intrinsic to the nature of God that it becomes the hallmark of His people.
This unity has a purpose: “so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21 ESV). The oneness of believers is meant to be a witness to the world. It is a tangible demonstration of the divine mission of Christ and the love of the Father. When believers live in unity, they provide compelling evidence of the truth of the gospel and the reality of God’s transformative power.
“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one” (John 17:22 ESV). The glory Jesus speaks of is the glory of divine love and presence. It is a shared glory that binds believers together and to God Himself. This glory is not a static attribute but a dynamic reality that shapes the identity and destiny of the church.
“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:23 ESV). Jesus’ desire for unity is not only that believers would be one with each other but that they would be one with Him and the Father. This unity is the foundation of the believers’ identity and the source of their mission. It is a unity that is perfected over time, growing deeper and stronger as believers abide in Christ and His love.
As we reflect on these verses, we are called to consider our own place within the vast tapestry of faith that Jesus envisioned. We are part of the answer to His prayer, called to live in unity with our fellow believers, reflecting the love and glory of God to a watching world.
Please join me next time as we look at the concluding verses of this prayer.
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