John 17:21
that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
that all of them may be one
The phrase "that all of them may be one" speaks to the profound unity that Jesus desires for His followers. The Greek word for "one" is "hen," which signifies a unity of purpose and essence rather than mere agreement or cooperation. This unity reflects the divine nature of the Trinity, where distinct persons exist in perfect harmony and love. Historically, this call for unity has been a cornerstone for the Church, emphasizing the need for believers to transcend divisions and embody the oneness that Christ prayed for. This unity is not just organizational but deeply spiritual, rooted in the shared life of Christ.

as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You
Here, Jesus draws a parallel between the unity He desires for His followers and the intimate relationship He shares with the Father. The Greek preposition "en" (in) indicates a profound indwelling and mutual presence. This relationship is characterized by perfect love, understanding, and purpose. Theologically, this reflects the mystery of the Trinity, where the Father and the Son are distinct yet one in essence. This divine model sets the standard for Christian unity, calling believers to a relationship marked by love and mutual indwelling, mirroring the divine relationship.

May they also be in Us
The phrase "May they also be in Us" extends the invitation to believers to participate in the divine fellowship. The use of "in" (Greek "en") again emphasizes a deep, abiding presence. This is not merely an external association but an invitation to share in the life and love of the Trinity. Scripturally, this reflects the concept of believers being "in Christ," a recurring theme in the New Testament that speaks to the transformative relationship between the believer and the divine. This participation in the divine life is both a privilege and a calling, urging believers to live in a way that reflects their union with God.

so that the world may believe that You sent Me
The purpose of this unity is missional, "so that the world may believe that You sent Me." The Greek word for "believe" is "pisteuō," which implies trust and faith. The unity of believers serves as a testimony to the world of the divine mission of Jesus. Historically, the early Church's unity amidst diversity was a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel. This call to unity is not just for the benefit of the Church but is integral to its witness to the world. The visible unity of believers is meant to reflect the truth of Christ's divine mission and draw others to faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
- The speaker of this prayer, Jesus is the Son of God, who is interceding for His disciples and all future believers.

2. God the Father
- The recipient of Jesus' prayer, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son.

3. The Disciples
- The immediate audience of Jesus' prayer, representing all believers who follow Christ.

4. The World
- Refers to humanity at large, which Jesus desires to reach through the unity of believers.

5. The Upper Room
- The likely setting of this prayer, where Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples.
Teaching Points
Unity in Diversity
Jesus' prayer for unity does not imply uniformity but a harmonious relationship among believers, reflecting the diversity within the Godhead.

The Witness of Unity
The unity of believers serves as a powerful testimony to the world, demonstrating the truth of Jesus' mission and the love of God.

Abiding in Christ
Believers are called to abide in Christ, fostering a deep, personal relationship with Him that mirrors the unity between the Father and the Son.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers and enables believers to live in unity, providing the strength and guidance needed to maintain harmony.

Prayer for Unity
Following Jesus' example, believers should regularly pray for unity within the church, seeking God's help to overcome divisions and conflicts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the unity between the Father and the Son serve as a model for relationships within the church?

2. In what ways can believers today demonstrate the unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17:21?

3. How does the unity of believers impact the church's witness to the world, according to this verse and related scriptures?

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in fostering unity among believers, and how can we be more receptive to His guidance?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced unity within a Christian community. How did it affect your faith and witness to others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 10:30
- Jesus speaks of His unity with the Father, reinforcing the divine relationship that believers are invited into.

Ephesians 4:3-6
- Paul emphasizes the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace among believers, echoing Jesus' prayer for oneness.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13
- Paul describes the body of Christ as one, with many members, highlighting the unity and diversity within the church.

Philippians 2:1-2
- Paul urges believers to be of one mind and spirit, reflecting the unity Jesus prayed for.

Acts 4:32
- The early church is described as being of one heart and soul, demonstrating the practical outworking of Jesus' prayer.
A Prayer for UnityD. Young John 17:21
The Cure of Evil-SpeakingJohn Wesley John 17:21
Christ in Relation to His Disciples in All Future TimesD. Thomas, D. D.John 17:20-21
Christian UnityBp. M. Simpson.John 17:20-21
Christian UnityR. M. M'Cheyne.John 17:20-21
Church UnityJ. Spence, D. D.John 17:20-21
Church UnityH. Varley.John 17:20-21
Comprehensive IntercessionJ.R. Thomson John 17:20, 21
Friends Mistaken for FoesW. Williams.John 17:20-21
Saving Faith Through the WordE. Cooper.John 17:20-21
The Essential Unity of the ChurchW. Baxendale.John 17:20-21
The Fact and the Means of Church UnityH. M. Scudder.John 17:20-21
The Unity of the ChurchBp. S. Wilberforce.John 17:20-21
The Unity of the ChurchT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 17:20-21
The Unity of the ChurchC. Hodge, D. D.John 17:20-21
The Unity of the ChurchT. Binney.John 17:20-21
True and False UnityLord Bacon.John 17:20-21
Unity in ChristC. H. Spurgeon.John 17:20-21
Christian UnityB. Thomas John 17:20-23
People
Jesus, Disciples
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Believe, Faith, Hast, O
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 17:21

     1651   numbers, 1-2
     2018   Christ, divinity
     2218   Christ, Son of God
     5030   knowledge, of Christ
     5895   intimacy
     7025   church, unity
     7028   church, life of
     7922   fellowship, with God

John 17:1-26

     2360   Christ, prayers of
     8603   prayer, relationship with God

John 17:6-26

     8611   prayer, for others

John 17:10-22

     5308   equality

John 17:11-23

     7622   disciples, characteristics

John 17:20-23

     6718   reconciliation, believers

John 17:20-24

     7142   people of God, NT

John 17:20-26

     2212   Christ, head of church
     6755   union with Christ, nature of

John 17:21-22

     7031   unity, God's goal

John 17:21-23

     5783   agreement
     7032   unity, God's people

John 17:21-25

     1511   Trinity, relationships in

Library
October 10 Evening
After this manner . . . pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven.--MATT. 6:9. Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father.--My Father, and your Father. Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.--Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 10 Morning
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but thou shouldest keep them from the evil.--JOHN 17:15. Blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.--Ye are the salt of the earth, . . . the light of the world.--Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is heaven. I also withheld thee from sinning against me. The Lord is faithful,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 20 Morning
They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.--JOHN 17:16. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.--In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners.--That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation. Jesus of Nazareth . . . went about doing good, and
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 21 Morning
I am the Lord which sanctify you.--LEV. 20:8. I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people. And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine. Sanctified by God the Father.--Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.--The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus . . . that he might
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 16 Morning
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.--JOHN 17:17. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.--Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul: discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 27 Morning
The glory which thou gavest me I have given them.--JOHN 17:22. I saw . . . the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.--These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.--Upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness . . . of a man above upon it. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 13 Evening
Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.--EPH. 2:18. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one. Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 1 Morning
This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind,. . . I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.--PHI. 3:13,14. Father, I will that they . . . whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me.--I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.--He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 4 Evening
I have glorified thee on the earth.--JOHN 17:4. My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.--I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.--This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 25 Evening
The spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.--ROM. 8:15. Jesus . . . lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, . . . Holy Father, . . . O righteous Father.--He said, Abba, Father.--Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.--For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints and of the household of God. Doubtless thou
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 12 Morning
They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.--MAL. 3:17. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am: that
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 31. "I Pray not that Thou Shouldst Take them Out of the World, but that Thou Shouldst Keep them from the Evil" (John xvii. 15).
"I pray not that Thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldst keep them from the evil" (John xvii. 15). He wants us here for some higher purpose than mere existence. That purpose is nothing else than to represent Him to the world, to be the messengers of His Gospel and His will to men, and by our lives to exhibit to them the true life, and teach them how to live it themselves. He is representing us yonder, and our one business is to represent Him here. We are just as truly sent
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

November 5. "I in Them, and Thou in Me" (John xvii. 23).
"I in them, and Thou in Me" (John xvii. 23). If we would be enlarged to the full measure of God's purpose, let us endeavor to realize something of our own capacities for His filling. We little know the size of a human soul and spirit. Never, until He renews, cleanses and enters the heart can we have any adequate conception of the possibilities of the being whom God made in His very image, and whom He now renews after the pattern of the Lord Jesus Himself. We know, however, that God has made the human
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 11. "I Pray not for the World, but for Them" (John xvii. 9).
"I pray not for the world, but for them" (John xvii. 9). How often we say we would like to get some strong spirit to pray for us, and feel so helped when we think they are carrying us in their faith. But there is One whose prayers never fail to be fulfilled and who is more willing to give them to us than any human friend. His one business at God's right hand is to make intercession for His people, and we are simply coming in the line of His own appointment and His own definite promise and provision,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Folded Flock
I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am; that they may behold My glory.'--JOHN xvii. 24. This wonderful prayer is (a) for Jesus Himself, (b) for the Apostles, (c) for the whole Church on earth and in heaven. I. The prayer. 'I will' has a strange ring of authority. It is the expression of His love to men, and of His longing for their presence with Him in His glory. Not till they are with Him there, shall He 'see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied.' We
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Christ's Summary of his Work
'I have declared onto them Thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.'--JOHN xvii. 26. This is the solemn and calm close of Christ's great High-priestly prayer; the very last words that He spoke before Gethsemane and His passion. In it He sums up both the purpose of His life and the petitions of His prayer, and presents the perfect fulfilment of the former as the ground on which He asks the fulfilment of the latter. There is a singular
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The Intercessor
'These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

'The Lord Thee Keeps'
...They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.'--JOHN xvii. 14-16. We have here a petition imbedded in a reiterated statement of the disciples' isolated position when left in a hostile world without Christ's sheltering presence. We cannot fathom the depth of the mystery of the praying Christ, but we may be sure of this,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

The High Priest's Prayer
'Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou givest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI

Sixteenth Day. Holiness and Truth.
Make them holy in the Truth: Thy word is Truth.'--John xvii. 17. 'God chose you unto salvation in sanctification and belief of the Truth.'--2 Thess. ii. 12. The chief means of sanctification that God uses is His word. And yet how much there is of reading and studying, of teaching and preaching the word, that has almost no effect in making men holy. It is not the word that sanctifies; it is God Himself who alone can sanctify. Nor is it simply through the word that God does it, but through
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Seventeenth Day. Holiness and Crucifixion.
For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.'--John xvii. 19. 'He said, Lo, I am come to do Thy will. In which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus once for all. For by one offering He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.'--Heb. x. 9, 10, 14. It was in His High-priestly prayer, on His way to Gethsemane and Calvary, that Jesus thus spake to the Father: 'I sanctify myself.' He had not long before spoken
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

The Plenary Inspiration of Every Part of the Bible, vindicated and Explained. --Nature of Inspiration. --The Text of Scripture.
Thy Word is Truth. I THANKFULLY avail myself of the opportunity which, unexpected and unsolicited, so soon presents itself, to proceed with the subject which was engaging our attention when I last occupied this place. Let me remind you of the nature of the present inquiry, and of the progress which we have already made. Taking Holy Scripture for our subject, and urging, as best we knew how, its paramount claims on the daily attention of the younger men,--who at present are our hope and ornament;
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

August the Twenty-Fourth the Lord's Body
"I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do." --JOHN xvii. 1-11. This quiet confession is in itself a token of our Lord's divinity. The serenity in which He makes His claims is as stupendous as the claims themselves. "Finished," perfected in the utmost refinement, to the last, remotest detail! Nothing scamped, nothing overlooked, nothing forgotten! Everything which concerns thy redemption and my redemption has been accomplished. "It is finished!" "And now ... I come to Thee." The visible
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Cure of Evil-Speaking
"If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he will not hear them, tell it to the Church. But if he does not hear the church, let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican." Matt. 18:15-17 1. "Speak evil of no man," says the great Apostle: -- As plain a
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

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