John 17:20-26
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In today’s passage Jesus continues his prayer for his disciples. If you haven’t already, read John 17:1-19 and then read today’s passage: John 17:20-26. Take notice of any thoughts, feelings or questions that arise as you read.
Up until this point Jesus’ prayer has been focused on his first disciples. He has been their leader and teacher. But now he clearly says that his requests are for everyone who will believe in and follow him throughout time. Jesus will now work through the message of these disciples to launch a multiplying movement of followers who will spread the Good News of the kingdom of God to the world. God’s kingdom will multiply through ordinary people who have experienced the extraordinary love of Jesus as they pass on the healing, meaning, restoration and purpose they have received.
Stop for a moment to think about how your life is different because of your experience of Jesus. Speak to him about this in a prayer of gratitude. You can simply finish the sentence, “Thank you Jesus for…” over and over.
Read John 17:20-26 again noticing both the language of multiplication and the quality that Jesus says will differentiate his followers.
Jesus prays for oneness – that his followers will live in the same unity of spirit that Jesus shares with God the Father. From Jesus’ own example we know that true unity involves truth-telling and even confrontation along with companionship, and shared purpose. But it is the new command of Jesus that makes this kind of true unity possible: “Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command (John 15:12-14).”
How well do you think Jesus’ new community – the Church – is displaying the oneness of Jesus and God the Father to the world?
How about you? In what ways do you seek to love other followers of Jesus as he loved?
Share your thoughts and feelings with Jesus now.
Take a moment to meditate on this request that Jesus makes of God the Father: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”
What do you believe Jesus might be inviting you to do in response to this time of meditation?
How will you follow through on Jesus’ invitation?
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