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This section of Scripture is commonly known as Jesus' high priestly prayer. Jesus is interceding on behalf of his disciples, present and future. And here's what he asks for: unity. He prays that we would experience the same unity between ourselves that the Father and the Son enjoy. Imagine what kind of impact it would have on the world around us if we practiced that kind of unity with our brothers in Christ.

Key Study Passage:

John 17:9-23

1. List several reasons unity is important.
2. How does our unity confirm Christ's mission and God's love (v. 23)? (See also John 13:35; 1 John 2:7-11, 3:14-20.)
3. What man in your life best exemplifies the pursuit of unity? What can you learn from him that will help you in your own pursuit of unity?
4. What steps are you currently taking to build deep friendships with other men?
5. How can you better support your brothers in Christ?

Spend Time in Prayer: Thank God that reconciliation and unity is possible because of his Son's finished work on the cross; ask him to help you pursue unity with your brothers in Christ.

John 17:9-23

9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 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. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Copyright © 2012 by Christianity Today/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, compel me to seek out like-minded men who will commit to investing in each other's lives, so that we can encourage one another in the walk of faith.

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