Thoughts on the Gospel of John (171) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
John 17:20–21

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (171)
When the Lord prayed for His own, He didn’t only have the small group of His disciples in mind. His heart embraced all who would yet come to believe in Him. Most of them didn’t come to faith through the oral ministry of the apostles because they had only lived a few years on earth.

But the word of the apostles in the form of the inspired writings of the New Testament has remained with us and endures. It was the authoritative basis for all proclamation of the gospel from the beginning – and it still is today.

In connection with this comprehensive circle of all believers, the Lord makes the request for oneness for the second time. Comparing this with the first petition, we notice a difference: there the unity was limited to the apostles, and the petition was “that they may be one as We are” (v. 11) – one in thought and action. Here, on the other hand, He asks, “that they also may be one in Us”. This surely means a unity formed by believers having a common interest in the Father and the Son because they possess eternal life.

What a testimony to the unbelieving world that people of diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, who also differ socially and intellectually, can be one! Among the first Christians, this unity was outwardly recognisable: “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul” (Acts 4:32).

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today’s reading: Hosea 5:1-15 · James 2:14-26