The Gospel of John

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The Gospel of John One

Scripture: Read through John 17:20-26 as a group. Introduction: This portion of John’s gospel is situated at the end of chapter 17 and is considered the final section of Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer.” It’s called that because Jesus’ advocacy for those who believe in Him is on full display. Jesus is asking for spiritual insight (v 7), for protection (v 15), for unity (v 21), and for the disciples’ boldness to continue Jesus’ mission after he departs (v 18). But don’t miss the forest for the trees. John 17 is the longest of Jesus’ prayers recorded in the gospels. It’s an honest conversation between a Father and Son – one that we’re allowed to eaves drop on – in order that we might find encouragement in our own day-and-age as to our role in being representatives for Christ toward a watching world. Verse 20 is a heart-warming example of Jesus’ affection for future generations of believers. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you.” His prayer is that all disciples, present and future, might be one. And this oneness is modeled upon nothing less than the Son’s relationship with his Father and the Father’s relationship with his Son. But unity is not simply an end in itself. This unity has a purpose – and its purpose is to serve as a witness to the world, “so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (v 23 and v 21). Jesus seems to be saying that unity amongst believers is a critical piece of witness in the world. Consider this: Christianity teaches that God created humanity for relationship with himself. We rebelled against that design and chose, instead, to live for ourselves, meeting our own needs before honoring God’s will. This is the essence of sin. Sin, then, has separated us from God. The trouble is that we can’t reconnect with a righteous Father (v 25) on our own. We need someone perfect and righteous to do that for us. According to the Christian narrative, Jesus is that person, and he offers us forgiveness, grace, and acceptance due only to his sacrificial death on the cross and the confirmation of this promise in his resurrection. The world has a hard enough time accepting this as truth. Sadly, believers make Christianity even easier to reject by our disunity. Why should a watching world accept Jesus if those within the church can’t love one another? Unity – oneness – is a critical piece of our witness in the world. The Spirit of God provides clarity as to what we unite around, namely the gospel. And the Spirit of God convinces others that this oneness is something they’re invited into through the work of Christ.

Reflection: Take personal inventory of your life, heart, and spiritual journey. Use these prompts / questions as a way to prepare for group discussions – or – for personal times of prayer. 1. Do you feel united with other believers? Is there a shared sense of oneness within your community (and beyond)? 2. How does knowing that Jesus prayed (and is praying) for you and for others who believe in Him, in every generation, affect your faith? Discuss: 1. What about the sermon stood out or impacted you the most? Do you have any follow up questions about the sermon? 2. The church is intended to act as a mirror or window into the character of God. Our unity is a display of God’s unity. Our love is a display of God’s love. Just as importantly, our corporate need for grace and forgiveness is a window into the forgiveness offered in Jesus. The church isn’t expected to be perfect – Jesus prays we’d be united. Discuss what this might mean for our church and community. 3. Verse 23 says, “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” God’s love for the world is on full display in this verse. He desires that those outside might be brought in. He wants grace to abound to the masses. Does this motivate your sense of mission? Discuss. 4. Unity isn’t possible outside of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the lives of believers (see v 23). The Spirit brings oneness out of discord. He brings clarity out of confusion. The Spirit enables the church to humbly rally around the cross and resurrection. What might this unity look like? How could / should this oneness be lived out? Apply: This is a good week to pray for the unity of the church, both local and global. Pray for Redeemer, for our leadership, and for our entire congregation. Pray for other gospel-preaching churches around the world. Our enemy loves to sow seeds of discord within the church (see v 15). More specifically, pray that we might be united in order to put Christ on display. Pray that our oneness and love for one another might be a strong catalyst in others wanting to be a part of Jesus and His family. Even consider who you might be able to pray with this week. Maybe your husband or wife, a roommate or friend. Unity is best displayed together.