The Jesus in Us Brings Perfect Unity
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | September 25 2024 | John 17:20-23
KEY VERSE:
I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:23 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for unity among all believers, not just His disciples but for those who will believe in Him throughout time. This unity is meant to reflect the perfect relationship between Jesus and the Father and it is intended to glorify God and reveal His love to the world. Jesus prays for all believers, emphasising that this unity is grounded in the shared faith in Christ and His presence in every believer.
In verse 20, the Lord Jesus Prays for All Believers: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” The unity Jesus speaks of mirrors the oneness of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), which is an inward unity of heart, mind, and purpose. This oneness is made possible by Jesus' Spirit within us, binding believers together through His love and grace.
In verse 23, Jesus Christ explains that this perfect unity is a powerful testimony to the world, especially in a divided society. True unity among believers breaks down barriers like race, politics, and culture, and becomes a witness to God's love. Our perfection, unity, and becoming one, are found in Christ. Jesus Christ came to reconcile and reunite, and believers are called to live and love as one in Him.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Reflect on how Jesus' presence influences your relationships with other believers and how you can foster greater unity within your church and community. This unity is not just for harmony but to reveal God's truth and love to a divided world.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of unity that comes through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to reflect His presence in our lives and live in the perfect oneness that He prayed for. Let our unity be a testimony to the world of Your love and grace. Strengthen us to love one another and work together for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: COMPLETE UNITY The Greek term for "complete" (teleioō) means perfection, maturity, or wholeness. "Unity" (henotēs) refers to oneness or harmony. Together, "complete unity" refers to a perfect and mature oneness that reflects divine harmony.
Jesus prays that believers would experience perfect unity, reflecting the relational oneness between Him and the Father. God’s love for the world is demonstrated through the unified body of believers. This phrase emphasises the spiritual unity of believers, modelled after the perfect unity of the Trinity. Christian unity is a divine bond through Christ that breaks down divisions and reflects God’s nature to the world.
Reflections: How are you contributing to the unity that Jesus prayed for? Are you living in a way that fosters harmony and love among believers, revealing God’s truth to the world?
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