As We Are One

Scripture: John 17:22-24 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! (John 17:22-24 NLT)

Jesus prayed that we would be one as Jesus, the Father, and the Spirit are one! I believe that Jesus wasn’t joking when he prayed this prayer. I believe that when Jesus prayed this prayer in the final few hours of his life on earth, he meant it and he meant for it to be answered.

The Center for the Study of Global Christianity estimates that there are 47,300 Christian denominations in the world in 2023. These denominations don’t necessarily all have different beliefs. Some may be separate merely because they are in different geographical areas. Some may hold essentially the same theological beliefs as many others. But that’s still a whole lot of different denominations, any way you slice it!

Jean and I have been privileged to work with Christian leaders of many denominations over the past 52 years of ministry in the US and overseas. One organization we were part of in Jamaica represented 33 denominations. Our Bible Training Centres in the UK had students from nearly 30 denominations during almost a decade of ministry there. In Uganda, our Pastors’ and Leaders’ Intensives were hosted by four different denominations and by Scripture Union and attended by leaders from many more groups. In the US, we’re currently serving churches from two very different denominations. We know from experience that real unity is possible when people of different organizations and even different theological perspectives love and respect each other and have a common love for their communities.

Still, Jesus prayed for more! Let’s join him in this prayer: “May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me!”

Prayer:

Father, Make us one as you are one, so the world will believe! For the Kingdom’s sake!