That ought to make a deep impression on each of us this morning. The unity of those who would claim His name was on the heart and mind of Jesus as He prepared to go to the cross. I’ve heard people talk about things that I never heard them talk about before they became aware of their impending death.Īs Jesus was spending His last days on earth He prayed about the glory of God, He proclaimed His faithfulness to the mission He was given to carry out, He prayed for His followers, and He prayed specifically for their unity. I’ve listened to folks talk about God with an openness and honesty I never knew they possessed when they were in good health. I’ve had people share with me their regrets. I’ve witnessed the truth of this statement from time-to-time. I’ve had many opportunities to be around people who knew that they only had a short time to live. I’ve heard it said that when a person knows that they are in the last days of their life that their true character surfaces, what really matters to them is expressed. I’ve thought about Jesus’ prayer during much of this past week as I’ve been studying Romans 15:1-6. In verse 21, Jesus prays, “that all of them may be one…” In verse 22, Jesus prays, “that they may be one as we are one:” In verse 23, Jesus prays, “May they be brought to complete unity…” And what does He pray? He prays that we may be one, that we would be unified. Jesus prays, not just for His followers who would remain after His death and resurrection, but for those who would believe as a result of their proclamation of the Gospel for generations to come. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. He continues His prayer and in John 17:20-23 we read,Ģ0 My prayer is not for them alone. Jesus isn’t through praying at this point. Jesus prays for the unity of His followers. He prays for the Father to protect them so they may be one as He was one with the Father. Jesus prays, not for the world, but for those the Father has given to Him as His followers. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name–the name you gave me–so that they may be one as we are one. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you.
10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine.
I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. John writes in John 17:9-11.ĩ I pray for them. Turn with me to John 17 and let’s take a look at one of the things that was on His heart as He approached the end of His ministry. While in prayer, Jesus prayed for His followers. Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane and He was praying.
Unity In Times of DisagreementAs we continue our study of Romans and begin our study of Romans 15:1-6, I am reminded of a scene from Jesus’ life just before He went to the cross.
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