High Priestly Prayer – Part 3

By Pastor Chad

God’s plan for His Church cannot be thwarted. He prays for and commands unity, but when unity isn’t actualized, His mission still moves forward. Perhaps it is best that Christians home-in on Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17 in a localized context. To be sure, Jesus’ church is far greater than our church on the corner of Cedar Heights and MacArthur, but it isn’t anything less. 

In John 17, Christ, the Eternal Ruler of all, is petitioning the Father on behalf of His church. He prays that the church be one as is exemplified in the Father and Son’s Oneness. But why is unity so important? Why is Jesus asking for it? Again, though Jesus is speaking about the church as a whole, let’s apply these reasons to our local church.

First, unity is important for the sake of the gospel mission within the church. In John 17:20, Jesus prays, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word…” Jesus understood that the ministry carried out by the original apostles would spread throughout the world and time–impacting lives thousands of miles and years away. Here Jesus is praying that there be unity within the church for the sake of the spread of the gospel. Our unity is a witness to the world, that we belong to the God of peace. It is a witness to the world that we are different because of our unity to Jesus.

Second, unity is important because it shows the love of Christ in and through the church. Notice the last part of verse 23: “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” Our unity is a clear demonstration of God’s love for His church. Furthermore, our love for one another is a manifestation of God’s love for the church. This love is seen by Christian’s within the local congregation, but it is also seen by those outside the church. 

When the church is divided and fighting, we are no better than the world. But the church is different than the world–or should be. The gospel can change the world. If the world sees the church fighting and slandering one another, they are less likely to see the gospel as the power of God to bring peace within our hearts and within the world. 

Third, unity is important for the spiritual health of the believers within the church. In John 17:26, Jesus states, “I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known…” Jesus will continue to be with His disciples–even after His ascension–through the agency of the Holy Spirit. If the church remains unified around Christ, Christ will be among them. And Christ will empower, fuel, and direct their spiritual growth in Him. 

It is safe to assume that a disunified church will probably not produce healthy disciples–I know that isn’t always true, but generally speaking. Granted, unity isn’t all that is required for healthy discipleship–correct doctrine and practice are also necessary–but unity is also a necessary component. In order for discipleship to take full root and flourish as God intended, unity is an ingredient that cannot be left out of the local church.