by Dr. Mamusha Fenta
John 17:20-26
Some general observations about this passage:
1. This is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus. He is praying to God about His disciples. It is a teaching about unity.
2. Initially it seems like Jesus is taking about Himself. But in verses 6-19 we see He is praying for His disciples, and then from verses 20-26 He is anticipating us— those who would believe in the disciples’ message.
3. The main agenda is unity. The model He used for unity was not the Roman Empire. The model was, “just as you and I are one...”
Why was the unity of the disciples so critical. What’s the background? It is important because it is possible to be together without being united. This is not the goal. A bond is as strong as its binding force. There are two main points of emphasis:
1. Theological: Jesus is praying for unity while facing the cross. It tells us that the concepts are not independent of each other. We are not trying to unite us. It’s the cross that unites us. We are not trying to create unity. We are trying to maintain the unity that has already been purchased in the cross. He has given us life eternal through the cross. The book of Revelation tells us that we have become Kings and priests. We are already relatives. We only need to maintain what’s already there.
2. Missional: to show the love of God to the world. In verse 18 Jesus said, “As you sent me, I have sent them.” And according to the passage it’s not archaeological evidence that will convince the world who Jesus is. In verse 20-23, Jesus prays that all of them may be one... “so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Then they will know. When we love each other, the world will know that they are loved. Unity is highly missiological. Our strategies, spiritual gifts, even our faith that moves mountains, without love means nothing. Without love nothing works.
Unity requires vulnerability. The lesson on unity was taught in the classroom of the cross. It requires us to die. My kingdom dies, so His can come alive.