Coming On Our Knees
Pray: Lord help us in this study, that we are about to begin, that we seek you first as our Lord
and Savior. That we be gathered in your name in unity of spirit and mind. That our identity be
known in you. That we see that you are father of all creation, who is over all and through all and
in all. Amen
Connecting with One Another:
Have you ever played a sport where your team has just “clicked” and you felt you played as
one? Or maybe you have had the opposite experience? Tell us about how it felt to be part of
that team. What differentiated you from other teams?
Listening to the Word:
In today’s verses Jesus shares His greatest wish for His followers. Oneness and unity. When
Christians are “one,” we provide a visible, tangible witness to the world. Jesus has prayed for
Himself (17:1-5) and His original disciples (17:6-19). Now He prays for us who will believe His
message through His disciples (17:20).
Read aloud: John 17:20-26
Looking at Verses 20-24
“that they maybe one” is mentioned throughout these verses.
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What does being “one” mean to you?
What is the example Jesus uses for the kind “oneness” he desires?
“Unity” is mentioned throughout these verses.
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What is the root of this unity? What are a couple of ways we keep the unity of the
spirit? (Ephesians 4:1-6)
What influence does Jesus expect unity to have on the unbelieving world (17:21,
23)? Why is Christian unity such a compelling factor in reaching unbelievers?
Study all four mentions of love and how that love connects Jesus to the Father, Jesus to his
followers, and connects the followers with one another.
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What are the characteristics of this Love? What effect should it have?
What binds together perfect unity? Read Colossians 3:14, Romans 15:5-6
God is for us (Father), God is with us (Son), God is in us (Spirit). Often we fall short of seeing
where perfect unity is displayed.
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What are some attitudes and actions that make for disunity among believers?
Can I agree to disagree on certain nonessentials with my fellow believers? Maybe some
examples come to mind of how you have not sought unity in the past.
Do you believe we can have certain kinds division (varying denominations) but still be
one? Why or Why not and how?
When have you experienced unity? What was the outcome? Give some practical
examples of unity displayed in your life.
What practical steps can I take to promote unity in our church? In my home? In my Life
group or community?
Looking at Verses 25-26
Verses 25-26 mark the final verses of this chapter and the entire upper room discourse. In these
two verses, Jesus summarizes all that He has prayed in John 17. Reflect on all you have heard in
the last few Sundays regarding John 17. Maybe you would like to read all of John 17 aloud.
 What has stood out to you?
 What is Jesus purposes in praying this prayer? What is Jesus desire for us in response?
 How are you making his name “Known”? How can you make his name more “known”?
Responding in Prayer
"I do verily believe that when God shall accomplish [unity], it will be the effect of love, and not
the cause of love. It will proceed from love, before it brings forth love." - John Owen
Ask for any prayer request from people who are struggling with seeking unity with their brother
or sister in Christ.
Pray: “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of
mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may
glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 15-5-6
Coming up next week
Next weeks sermon will be based on the following passage:
John 18:1-14- “Jesus Arrested”