that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. John 17:21 WEB
Chapter seventeen of John’s gospel is one continuous prayer of Jesus Christ. As the Lord approaches his sacrifice for the sins of mankind, Jesus first prays to our heavenly Father to glorify him that he might glorify God. In this portion of his prayer, Jesus defines what it means to have eternal life. He says in John 17:3, “This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. WEB”
From verses six through nineteen, Jesus prays for his disciples. These followers of Christ will soon share the gospel far and wide that the world may believe in God and his Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. As Christ says in John 17:17-18, “Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world. WEB” These words echo Psalm 119:142 which reads, “Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth. WEB”
God’s Love for Mankind
Next, Jesus transitions to pray for all believers brought to faith by the sharing of the gospel message. Jesus says in John 17:20, “Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word. WEB” It is by the eye witness accounts of the disciples that we receive the truth of God’s love for mankind. That truth is the Word of God, Jesus Christ, who called sinners to repentance and paid the price for our transgressions.
In verse twenty-one, Jesus prays for unity among believers. This unity is found in Christ as he lived in perfect obedience to the word and will of God. The unity of believers comes from the same submission to our heavenly Father. As we display this oneness with God and Christ, we demonstrate the transformative power of our heavenly Father’s love that the world may believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for opening my heart to the truth of your holy word. Thank you for the gospel message of salvation from sin through faith in Jesus Christ that the world may believe. Lead me in unity with you and Christ with my fellow believers. Give me wisdom to effectively share the truth of your love. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: A Measure of Faith
