That They May Be One
Updated: Sep 24
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | September 21 2024 | John 17:11-12
KEY VERSE:
Holy Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, so that they may be one just as We are. John 17:11b (AMP)
MESSAGE:
In John 17:11, Jesus prays for His disciples, asking God to protect them so they may be united as one, just like the unity between Jesus and the Father. In this prayer, Jesus is aware of His impending departure from the world and prays specifically for His disciples, asking the Father to protect them by His name. This protection aims to maintain unity among the disciples, just as there is perfect unity between the Father and the Son. This prayer highlights three key aspects of unity: Jesus' concern for unity among believers, how unity reflects the nature of the Trinity and the mission of unity in the world.
Jesus prays for protection to keep His disciples unified, knowing that division could weaken their witness. This unity is essential for the church’s strength and effectiveness. The unity Jesus desires mirrors the perfect relationship of love, honour, and submission within the Trinity. Believers are called to reflect this divine unity in their relationships, which are marked by love and service. The unity Jesus prays for is crucial to the church's mission. Believers living in harmony demonstrate God’s love and truth to the world. Disunity weakens the church's witness, but when the church is united, it becomes a visible demonstration of God's work in the world. A united church is a powerful testimony of Christ's presence and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Unity among believers is central to the mission of the church and the testimony of God's love for the world. As Christians, we are called to live in harmony, love, and mutual respect, reflecting the unity of the Trinity in our relationships with one another.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help us to live in unity, reflecting Your love and oneness in our relationships. Remove any barriers that divide us and give us the grace to seek peace and reconciliation. May our unity bring glory to Your name and show the world Your transforming power. In Jesus' name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: ONE The word "one" (hen in Greek) signifies a unified whole, denoting both relational and spiritual unity. It points toward a oneness that is more than just agreement; it’s about being united in purpose and essence.
In this verse, Jesus prays for His disciples to be united, reflecting the perfect unity between Himself and the Father. The context emphasizes that this unity is essential for their witness and effectiveness in the world. This word highlights the importance of unity in the body of Christ, which mirrors the unity within the Trinity. Just as the Father, Son, and Spirit exist in perfect harmony, believers are called to reflect that unity in their relationships, emphasizing love, humility, and purpose.
Reflections: How can you contribute to the unity of believers around you? Are you living in a way that reflects the unity Jesus desires for His followers?
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