Chapter 17
John 17:20–23
Theme: Jesus longs for unity among all believers, revealing God’s love to the world through our oneness with Him and with each other.
Jesus Prays for Future Believers (Including Us) 20 “I’m not praying only for these disciples, but for everyone who will believe in Me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one—
just as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world will believe You sent Me. 22 I have given them the same glory You gave Me so that they may be one as We are one— 23 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 that You love them as much as You love Me.”
IN THIS LESSON
What’s Really Going On?
Jesus turns His attention from His current disciples to every future believer—those who will come to faith through their message. That means this is a moment where Jesus is literally praying for us.
His focus? Unity. Not surface-level agreement, but a profound, Spirit-filled oneness that mirrors the unity between the Father and the Son.
Why does this matter? Because this kind of unity is the Church’s greatest witness. When the world sees believers loving and serving one another in supernatural unity, they see the heart of God.
“I pray not only for these (disciples), but also for all who will believe in Me through their message.”
“Then the world will know You sent Me, and that You love them as You have loved Me.”
What Was Said or Done?
“I pray that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You.”
“I in them and You in Me—so they may be brought to complete unity.”
“May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe You sent Me.”
“I have given them the glory You gave Me, so they may be one as We are one.”
Let’s Talk About It
Let’s Talk About It
Decisions They Faced
The early Church faced countless pressures to divide—culturally, racially, and theologically. Yet Jesus’s prayer challenged them to choose:
Unity over rivalry
Humility over self-promotion
Love over offense
They had to embody the message they preached, or their words would ring hollow.
You and I face the same decision today—will we live as one, or let division rob our witness?
What Happened Next?
Jesus’s warning didn’t prevent the storm—it gave them an anchor before it hit.
The disciples carried Jesus’s message forward and built a movement that welcomed Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, slaves, and free into one new family.
The Holy Spirit empowered them to live in deep community—“one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32).
And the Church grew—not just by preaching, but by demonstrating God’s love in action.
Unity wasn't just a strategy. It was the proof that Jesus is who He said He is.
Living It Out
Living It Out
💬 Let’s Make It Personal
Are there areas in your life—your church, family, or friendships—where division is threatening unity?
Have you been more committed to being right than to being united in love?
Do you believe the Father loves you as He loves Jesus? How would your life change if you did?
What part are you playing in reflecting God's unity to the world?
Your Next Step
Action 1: A Prayer for Unity
Pray this aloud:
“Jesus, thank You for praying for me.
Help me live out Your prayer for unity.
Heal anything in my heart that divides.
Help me love others the way the Father loves You.”
Action 2: Bridge the Gap
Is there someone you’ve been in tension with?
Reach out this week. Not to argue—but to reconcile.
Text, call, or message: “I value our connection more than any disagreement. Can we talk?”
Action 3: Reflect on God’s Love
Read John 17:23 each morning this week and whisper:
“The Father loves me just as He loves Jesus.”
Let that truth renew your identity and disarm your fear.