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Read: John 17:20-21a
Listen: John 17

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” John 17:20-21a

Shortly before his arrest and trial, Jesus is praying for his followers. Of all the things for which he could pray, he prays for their unity. He knows he selected a diverse group of men. Among the disciples are those who want to separate from society, others who collaborate with the hated Romans, and still others who want to violently overthrow their occupiers. There must have been interesting discussions around the campfire each night! But Jesus prays for unity. He doesn’t want them to be the same, but he wants them to be unified in diversity as they work toward the same goal, to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

It’s the same for us as we work toward that same goal 2,000 years later. In our diversity, Jesus wants us to show unity as well. We don’t all need to be the same as we make disciples. Our diversity helps make disciples of “all nations.” Jesus calls people from every background and situation to follow him. In our differences, we should always work toward unity in obedience to Jesus.

TODAY: Pray a prayer of gratitude that we don’t all have to be the same. Thank Jesus for including you and those who think differently than you in the church.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Jeremiah 28-29. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider how through Jesus, God hears our prayers and brings us back to himself.