Jesus Prays for All Believers

​Text: John 17:20-26
Service Date: 6.1.25
Sermon:

• Today we are focusing on the prayers of Christ; one specific prayer to be exact. This is a prayer where Jesus focuses his time and his attention on those that follow his teachings. He is not only focusing on those that followed Jesus within his lifetime, but he is extending that prayer to those that would follow his teachings in the future; he is praying for us.
• Jesus prayed for all who would follow him. He prayed for unity, protection from the evil one, and sanctity. Knowing that Jesus prayed for us gives us confidence as we work for his kingdom.
• As we read this, we see that Jesus’ great desire for his disciples was that they would become one. He wanted them unified as a powerful witness to the reality of God’s love. The unity is based on our unity with God through Jesus.
• We are called to live as one, which means to be united. One (Heis) commonly means the uniqueness of something, i.e., the single or only one of its kind. Unity becomes the basis for behavior as well as the criterion for the exercise of spiritual gifts, even though unity is expressed in diversity.
• I believe this concept is the crux of Jesus’ prayer. We are called to act, live and believe as one; one body of believers. But my question is: if we are meant to one body, how should we act?
• I believe that as Christ-followers we act as Jesus acted that means that those that Jesus loved, we love; those that Jesus healed, we healed; those that Jesus accepted, we accept.
• Looking at the life and ministry of Jesus, it is easy to see that Jesus loved all, and he offered and helping hand to all who needed it. He did not limit his access to certain people, and he did not exclude those who believed or thought differently than he did.
• The unity of believers is intended to be a visible sign of God's love to the world, convincing them that God has sent Jesus.
• Christians can know unity among themselves if they are living in union with God. This unity is not simply a human effort, but a manifestation of God's love and presence in believers' lives. Yet, this is a reality for all who place their trust in Jesus and follow his teachings.
• Jesus calls us to be one body. A body of believers that love all of God’s creations and works hard to create a loving and accepting atmosphere where anyone can be themselves; loved by God. 

 
Conclusion: Let us be people who live, act and love in unity with God.