Coming Together In Oneness
LENT 2025 DEVOTIONAL:
John 17:1-26 (NIV)
(Charis Lim, Chairperson, Digital Wesley)
The following passage from John 17:21-22 (ESV) stands out for me:
21that 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. 22The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one…
John 17 is commonly known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. In His final and longest recorded prayer before His crucifixion, He prays for us. He prays that we may all be one just like He and the Father are one.
When I was young, one of my favourite Peanuts cartoons features a dialogue between Lucy and Linus. Linus was this sleepy little boy who struggled to stand up for himself. In this sketch, he is watching TV with a remote control in his hand and Lucy suddenly comes and snatches it out of his hand to change the channel. Linus stands up for himself and says, “What gives you the right to take that remote control out of my hand?!” Lucy said, “You want to know what gives me the right?” She raises each finger and says, “One, two, three, four, and five. Separated, they don’t look that intimidating, but when they come together, they create a formidable foe.” Linus looks at his hand in defeat and says “Why can’t you all come together like that?”
Jesus prays for us. This is His farewell message for the church before He is crucified. And I believe the essence of His prayer is encapsulated in Linus’ words. He is praying that we would all “come together”. And when we “come together” in oneness and unity, we become a formidable foe against the darkness of the world.
This is Jesus’ vision of oneness. He says it looks like what He and the Father have. The glory of God is waiting to be released in the church. And in order for us to fulfil God’s Mission, we are called to be a people showing the world the oneness of God in our families, schools, workplaces and communities, wherever God has placed us. We are all different, but when we come together, we will be a formidable force for the Kingdom of God!
How can I “come together” in oneness with others?
– Prioritise unity with fellow believers, putting aside differences.
– Celebrate unity amidst diversity by appreciating different gifts and perspectives.
– Recognise that unity is not the same as uniformity.
– Regularly pray for unity, acknowledging its impact on our witness.
Lord Jesus, would You make us one as You and the Father are one. May we know the perfect oneness in the Father and reflect the glory of the Father. May we not go alone. May we do it together as a formidable foe against the darkness of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. How is the oneness of the Father exhibited in your family, school, workplace and community?
2. Are you regularly praying for unity just as Jesus prayed for unity among His disciples?
3. How can your witness to the world be demonstrated by your unity with fellow believers?
