My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
John 17: 20-26
Jesus has prayed for you! Read John’s Scripture again. He says, “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” Jesus prays for his future disciples—all the men and women in future ages who will believe through the message proclaimed by his first followers. You are one of those people! You are one of those future disciples for whom Jesus prayed. So, as you read this part of Jesus’ prayer, take a close look at what it is that Jesus wants for you.
Jesus wants his disciples—all of us—to be in unity with one another as we are also in unity with Him and His Father. The calling to be united with Jesus and the Father is awesome enough, but how much more awesome—and how much more challenging—is the call to be united with one another. Knowing that Jesus prayed for this kind of unity gives us confidence that it really will happen, especially during those times when we aren’t united as believers.
Why does Jesus take our unity so seriously? Of all the things he could have prayed for on his last night on earth, why did he choose to pray for this? There are many reasons, but one of the most important is because He knew that our witness of love and mercy toward one another could change the whole world. He knew that our unity in Christ is one of the most important elements of evangelization. Actions always speak louder than words, and when we demonstrate to the world that people from diverse backgrounds and cultures can come together, we are demonstrating the power of divine love.
Finally, Jesus prayed that the same love the Father has for Him may be in us. Try to imagine the immensity of the Father’s love for Jesus. This is the same love Jesus wants for you! Today, take time to rest in this love and fully experience it. And as you pray, and let the experience of this love flow over you. As you do, it will empower you to seek the unity that Jesus deeply desires and to become a light to the whole world!
Jesus wants his disciples—all of us—to be in unity with one another as we are also in unity with Him and His Father. The calling to be united with Jesus and the Father is awesome enough, but how much more awesome—and how much more challenging—is the call to be united with one another. Knowing that Jesus prayed for this kind of unity gives us confidence that it really will happen, especially during those times when we aren’t united as believers.
Why does Jesus take our unity so seriously? Of all the things he could have prayed for on his last night on earth, why did he choose to pray for this? There are many reasons, but one of the most important is because He knew that our witness of love and mercy toward one another could change the whole world. He knew that our unity in Christ is one of the most important elements of evangelization. Actions always speak louder than words, and when we demonstrate to the world that people from diverse backgrounds and cultures can come together, we are demonstrating the power of divine love.
Finally, Jesus prayed that the same love the Father has for Him may be in us. Try to imagine the immensity of the Father’s love for Jesus. This is the same love Jesus wants for you! Today, take time to rest in this love and fully experience it. And as you pray, and let the experience of this love flow over you. As you do, it will empower you to seek the unity that Jesus deeply desires and to become a light to the whole world!
Today’s Prayer
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