Easter For Us: A Unity Not Of Our Making

Opening illustration: I know, there are so many great verses from John’s remarkable story: “In the beginning was the Word….”, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” “For God so loved the world…,” “In my house are many mansions…,” and more. Why, then, do I love this verse? Simply because in it we hear Jesus praying for us. Yes. Jesus…nearly two thousand years ago…is praying…for us.

Our Lord chose as disciples’ men who were radically different in temperament, personality and political philosophy. It was because of their glaring differences that their unity was so evident.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul teaches that diversity is not opposed to unity; it is essential to it. How could the body function rightly if every member were an eye, or an ear, or a mouth? True unity demands diversity, and diversity displays true unity.

I say this because some churches seem to be trying to turn out ‘cookie cutter Christians’ who look alike (dress codes), think alike (creedal codes, often concerning non-essentials) and act alike (codes of conduct). Sad to say, such legalism does not display true unity, nor does it constitute true spirituality. It simply teaches Christian conformity. But when the peer group changes, so does creed and conduct. This is all too frequently seen as our young people go off to college. We have not taught them to think, but to conform.

If unity is not to be found in uniformity, it is to be seen in union. The unity of the trinity is unity of being, of essence and of purpose. We are the children of God by faith if we dwell in God and He dwells in us (verse 23); there is then essential unity, between the believer and God, and also between one believer and every other.

Notice that UNITY is a vitally important matter. In the last moments of our Lord’s earthly ministry, He prayed for it. It is the way Christians are identified in a world where everyone ‘does his own thing’ and values personal independence and liberties above all else (verse 23). Here is the mark of the Christian community - UNITY.

In verse 24 the Lord prayed for reunion. He will shortly be led away to His trial and execution. After His ascension He will no longer physically walk among His people, until they are reunited with Him. It is for this reunion that our Lord prayed.

Finally, in verses 25 and 26, Jesus prayed He might continue to minister to His own, even in His physical absence.

It is a great prayer which our Lord allowed His disciples to overhear in their hour of anxiety and distress. It is little wonder that the Spirit of God has preserved it for us as well.

Introduction: Today, we are looking at a prayer Jesus made. It is not just any prayer. Many call it Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. In this prayer, Jesus prayed for Himself. Jesus was about to be betrayed, arrested, beaten and then crucified. He prayed to the Father in Heaven that He would glorify His Father in Heaven. Jesus then prayed for His disciples. He knew they were about to face tough times. He would not be with them, so He prayed the Father would keep them safe. Look at the following verse:

John 17:11 “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”

What did Jesus pray here? That His disciples would be one. Think about what was about to happen. Jesus was going to be killed. The disciples were going to be scattered. The church was going to face persecution. They needed to be united. A house divided cannot stand. Jesus then prayed for “those who will believe in [Him] through their word.” That is, you and me. Jesus prayed for those who would believe in Him. He prayed for us.

One thing we should recognize is the importance of prayer in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus would often get alone to pray. Prayer is our direct line with the Father. We need to pray. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus was praying for His disciples and He was praying for us. When we go through difficult times, do we think of others, or do we think primarily of ourselves? If I was about to endure what Jesus did, I would probably be praying a lot more for myself. Jesus had love and concern for others. Even though He was about to endure a very painful experience, Jesus prayed for others.

What was the FOCUS of Jesus’ final prayer?

1. One with Christ (vs. 20-21)

What did Jesus pray here? That we would be one. He already prayed that His disciples would be one. Now He prayed that those who would come to believe in Him, you and me, would be one in Him. Many people get this part of Christianity wrong. They believe that if they say a prayer or attend church faithfully or give their money, time or talents to God, then they have done enough. They want to compartmentalize their lives with God. They will give some area of their life to God, but not another. God does not want part of you — He wants all of you. He does not want your name on the church roll. He does not want your money, or your talents, or anything else you want to give. God wants you! If He does not have you, then you can take everything else and just keep it. He is not the least concerned with what you give Him until you have first given yourself to Him.