Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Church: To be United in Christ

Bible Reading:  St. John 17:13-23

 

Key Verse: “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.” (St. John 17:20-21 NRSV)

DEVOTION

In John 17:13-23, Jesus offers a prayer that reveals His heart for His disciples and the future church. His prayer emphasizes the importance of unity—not as a superficial bond, but as a reflection of God’s character and mission. This unity is essential for the church to thrive and to fulfill its calling as a witness to the world. Jesus prays for His disciples to have His joy “made full” in them, despite the hostility they will face in the world (v. 13). This joy is rooted in their identity as those set apart by the truth of God’s Word. In verse 17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” The word “sanctify” implies being consecrated for a holy purpose. Unity in the church begins with recognizing that we are a people set apart for God. This shared identity transcends personal preferences, cultural differences, and worldly divisions. It is not just about gathering in the same place but being aligned in our purpose and allegiance to Christ. Today, this means that the church’s unity is not built on human structures or common interests but on the truth of God’s Word. The Church is not defined as an institution or a building or an area, instead the Church is the Body of Christ which resides in each and every one of us. We are all called to be members in the Body of Christ, and we are sent into this world as representatives of Christ. When we understand that our identity comes from Christ, it compels us to live out our calling with joy, even in challenging circumstances. In the second part of His prayer, Jesus shifts His focus to all future believers, praying for a unity that mirrors His relationship with the Father: “May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (v. 21). This unity is not merely functional but theological—it reflects the oneness of the Trinity. This divine unity becomes a powerful testimony to the world. When the church is united, it visibly demonstrates God’s love and truth. Jesus emphasizes this in verse 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.” The church’s unity is its greatest evangelistic tool. It shows that God’s love is real and transformative. We must learn to fulfill the commission that Christ has given us and realize that we cannot send someone else instead we have been called to go. In a fractured and divided world, the church’s unity stands as a countercultural witness to the reconciling power of Christ. John 17:13-23 challenges the church to live out a unity that is both theological and practical. Our unity in Christ is rooted in truth and is a reflection of the divine relationship within the Trinity. This unity is crucial for the future church. When we take a look at the prayers of Christ, we can see that it always involves praying for the future church. As the church, let us embrace our shared identity in Christ and live as a unified body, so that the world may see and believe in the One who has called us.

   PRAYER

Lord, we thank You for the unity You have called us to in Christ. Help us to live as one body, grounded in Your truth and reflecting Your love. May our unity be a witness to the world of Your transforming grace. Amen.

Thought of the day

Unity in the church is about reflecting Christ to the world. When we live as one—rooted in His truth and love—we become a powerful testimony of God’s grace and a beacon of hope in a divided world. Today, seek ways to contribute to the unity of the body of Christ, knowing that our harmony glorifies God and draws others to Him.


Rev. Anoop Jacob Abraham
Kulathummal Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Kerala

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