That They May Be One John 17:20-26
Jesus looks beyond the Eleven and prays for us—all who would believe through their word. His requests are clear: unity in Him, shared glory that forms Christlike character, a credible witness to the world, and the assurance of future presence with Him. This is the church’s blueprint: one in truth, radiant with love, compelling in witness.
Scripture Breakdown & Today’s Application
v.20 — “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word.”
Breakdown: Jesus includes every future believer.
Today: Your faith sits in a living chain from the apostles to now. Guard it; pass it on.
v.21 — “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You… that the world may believe…”
Breakdown: Unity like Father and Son—relational, holy, purposeful.
Today: Unity is not sameness; it’s harmony in truth that makes Jesus believable to observers.
v.22–23 — “The glory which You gave Me I have given them… that they may be made perfect in one… that the world may know…”
Breakdown: “Glory” here = the shared life/character of Christ shaping His people into a unified witness.
Today: Christlikeness (humility, holiness, love) is what binds us together and persuades a skeptical world.
v.24 — “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am…”
Breakdown: Jesus wants His people with Him—ultimate hope and home.
Today: Your end is not exhaustion; it’s presence and glory. Live now with then in view.
v.25–26 — “I have declared to them Your name… that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
Breakdown: Jesus makes the Father known so the Father’s love lives in us.
Today: The hallmark of the church is the Father’s love indwelling, seen in action.
Reflection Questions
Where can I pursue unity in truth (not just peace-keeping) this week?
What part of Christ’s character (“glory”) is the Spirit forming in me right now?
Who might believe because of how our church/family loves each other?
How does the promise of being with Jesus (v.24) steady my priorities today?
Closing Prayer
Father, make us one in Your Son. Form Christ’s glory in us so our love is credible and our witness clear. Keep our hearts set on being with Jesus, and let Your love dwell richly in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
