²¹ “… that they may all be one; even 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 sent Me.”

Christians speak of friendship evangelism, sports evangelism, coffee shop evangelism, child evangelism. Jesus prayed for “unity” evangelism. Our unity will actually convince the world that Jesus is the Messiah, God’s answer to our fallen, human problems. Unity of believers. Imagine that.

Unity is one of the most difficult things to experience, as anyone who has studied church history will clearly see, as anyone who has been a Christian for more than a short period of time will discover. Christians (ostensibly) have fought and killed each other, and outlawed those of different theological persuasions. Churches and denominations split, seminaries have divided. Sometimes Christians sitting in the same church building refuse to speak to each other. Even among the apostles, there was a struggle to be unified (see Paul and Barnabas Acts 15:36-40). Paul later, in writing to the Philippian church, a relatively mature fellowship of believers, gave an extended discourse on unity (Phil 2:1-13). He points out two women who particularly had a difficult time getting along (Phil 4:2-3).

Unity is difficult to achieve, but well worth the effort. Why? First of all, because Jesus desires it of us. Imagine the pain a parent feels when his or her children grow up to become estranged from each other. The Lord loves each of us, and it must pain Him to see us not love each other in the same way. Second, unity is well worth the effort because it reflects the sweet, perfect unity of God the Father and God the Son. We become like God when we strive for unity.

Finally, and the point of this verse, is that our unity as followers of Jesus Christ speaks volumes to the world about who Jesus is. What force or principle can bring people of such diverse backgrounds (social, economic, cultural) into alignment with one purpose and mind. A genuine Christian can travel anywhere in the world and make instant connection with any other Christian. Our fellowship and unity do not know boundaries or borders.

When we genuinely follow Christ and seek the unity He prayed for, there will be racial reconciliation. Church fights over musical styles become opportunities for grace and love and submission to the desires of others. When churches across denominational lines can pray for one another, rejoice together and encourage each other’s ministry, the world takes notice. Indeed, Jesus said, earlier in the Upper Room, “all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

Lord, help me today seek unity among those with whom I work and worship.