Unity in Mission
- v21
- We will reflect on Jesus’ prayer for unity in mission
- Known as the High Priestly prayer
- A prayer of intercession by the Son of God to the Church
- Three divisions
- Jesus prays for Himself – His accomplished work on earth (v1-5)
- Jesus prays for the disciples – to keep and sanctify them (v6-19)
- Jesus prays for the whole church – to be united in Him (v20-26)
- The prayer highlights several spiritual priorities
- Glory the Father (v1)
- Unity (v21-23)
- Holiness (v17)
- Victory (v18-19)
- The prayer shows what God has given us
- Eternal life (v2-3)
- The word of God (v8-14)
- His glory (v22)
- Other points:
- Believers are a gift from God to Jesus
- The word ‘world‘ appears 19 times
- The word ‘glory‘ appears at least 5 times
- Jesus prays for all believers
- Unity of the Church is the goal of Jesus’ prayer (v21 – a primary reference)
- Jesus also desires unity in the life and purpose of the Church
- Eph 4:3 – maintain the unity already given by God
- This unity mirrors the unity between God the Father and the Son
- Visible unity that the world might believe
- Disunity undermines the gospel work
- Jesus also desires unity in the life and purpose of the Church
- Application:
- Satan tries to attack this unity
- Beware of the sin of contention – Prov 6:12-19
- Seek to maintain the unity of the Holy Spirit and the bond of peace
- The Apostle Paul calls for this:
- 1 Corinthians 1:10-11
- Phil 1:27
- The Apostle Paul calls for this:
- Learn from the example of Jesus Christ’s humility and sacrifice
- The Church must be unique because God is unique
- Unity of believers through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
- Does your life belong to Christ?
- If not, surrender your life to Christ
- Do you have eternal life?
- Satan tries to attack this unity
Closing prayer