Corporate Witness John 17:20-21
John 17:20-21
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
When Christ falls on his knees before the Father in prayer what does he pray for? That his people would be characterized by unity.
But, when we consider the Great Commission, the gospel’s advance to the Gentiles as seen in Acts and in the New Testament letters it is apparent that - in large measure- Jesus was praying that though his church would be ethnically diverse, it would be united. And this unity in diversity is a crucial aspect of corporate gospel witness.
He does not pray for... ● ● ● ● ●
Ethnic reconciliation among the world. Ethnic cordiality. Unity in uniformity. Unity in heaven. A spiritualized unity
He does pray for... ● Ethnic reconciliation among the church. ● Ethnic harmony, peace, interconnectedness, affection, and devotion. ● Unity in diversity ● Unity on this earth as a foretaste of glory. ● Observable, witnessed, tangible unity.
But, this is impossible
But, the gospel promises it. This seems impossible. Humanly speaking this is impossible. The pain, past, problems, politics, and power plays are immense hurdles to overcome. The wall that divides the ethnicities is great. No one should make light of it. The Gospel empowered by the Holy Spirit has the ability to break down all the potential walls of hostility (Eph. 2:14).