I. Introduction

In my previous message, I emphasized that today, more than ever, we are called to unite as disciples of Christ, families, neighbors, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives. Reflecting on Jesus Christ's prayer in John 17 for His disciples and the future church to be united, I am reminded of the important responsibility we have to pray diligently for one another as well as for global peace and unity.

II. And Jesus prayed... make them one in Us.

Our life in Christ should always reflect His love, and the love of God. The way He loved can be summarized in His Farewell Discourse in John Chapters 13-17. In Chapter 13, verse 2, John describes how Jesus demonstrated the full extent of His love to His disciples. This was exemplified by Jesus washing each one of their feet, an act that conveyed pure love and humility. In verse 15 He told them that since He, their Lord, had washed their feet, they ought to wash each other's feet as well. They must follow the example He set for them. He then gave them the commandment to love God and love one another. If they do this, they will be recognized as His disciples. If they love the way He loved, they will follow and obey His teachings. He will then give them the Holy Spirit who will be their counselor and remind them of all the things He taught them. He talked about how they must remain in Him the True Vine, to be one with Him and God, and to bear the fruit He wants them to bear.

This is the oneness He is praying about in this prayer in Chapter 17, where He prayed for Himself, His disciples and now for the future disciples, and the church of Christ. In this prayer His focus is on the unity between the Trinity and the followers. He wants God to know that He understood His mission, which was to let the world know that He was sent by God, and that He must gather His followers like a hen its chickens. He prays that His followers will understand what the glory of God is all about, which is true love, peace and joy. He comes from that space of glory. He knows what it means, and He wants them to be consecrated into this glory, so that they too can experience this love, peace and joy. He prays for unity among His disciples and the future church, which includes us today. It is this love and unity that gives birth to the transformation of the disciples and inspires the life and ministry of the church. The Church of Christ is consequently an ever-growing entity characterized by love and unity among its members. It is not meant to be apart, segregated, or to be in disunity. Its purpose is to be one with each other and one with God, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Through ups and downs, this is the way it must be.

III. Conclusion

Jesus had His own ups and downs with His disciples. John describes in Chapter 13 v 21 how Jesus' spirit was troubled when He realized one of His disciples, Judas, would betray Him. Peter would later deny knowing Jesus three times. These were hurtful things to Him, knowing that these were His disciples with whom He shared intimate details. To betray and deny Him was in direct opposition to the way of His love, which was a love that gave everything, His whole life, for them and for the world. His love and His desires for His disciples and for all who believe in Him was to be one with Him, and one with God. This meant that His disciples would demonstrate to each other and the world this Divine and Holy love, which is a selfless and compassionate love, a love that always cares for others, and never hurts them. Despite the knowledge of the betrayal and denial, Jesus still prayed this prayer for them and for the future church. Our Christ is true to God and to us in His pure love and forgiving nature. This prayer is a call for us as His followers and as a congregation to hold onto Him and to stay connected to the Holy Spirit, to help us to be loving and forgiving, and at peace with one another and to not allow anything to come between and among us. May God help us to stay in this space of Holiness and Glory that was given to us through the Son of God who sacrificed His life for us. May God help us to share this special gift with one another and this world that faces enormous challenges and lacks unity and peace. Amen.