Prayer for Unity 2
May 27th, 2010
In John 17, Jesus prayed for unity. What is the basis for unity? Jesus says it is connected to the message preached by the disciples. “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one…”(John 17:20-21). People today argue that unity based on the message of the gospel is impossible. They argue that no doctrine should stand in the way of unity. As one preacher said, “Anyone who calls God Father I call brother.” However, the unity Jesus prays for in John 17 has its foundation in truth. Jesus says, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (v. 21). Notice how many times the word of God is mentioned in this prayer:
Verse 6, “They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.”
Verse 8, “For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them.”
Verse 14, “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.”
So the prayer of Jesus is that people will hear and obey God’s word. Obedience to the teachings of the gospel of Christ must precede unity. What many do not understand is that it is possible to be a believer in Jesus and still not be acceptable to God. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’ John 8:31-32).
Therefore, one must not only believe in Jesus but obey the message of the gospel. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Unity can be possible only when people commit themselves to be bound by God’s word.
J B Myers
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