The Evidence of Us

Read John 17:20-26

• Jesus prays in verse 22 that we would be “one” in the same way that He and the Father are “one.” Take a moment to talk about the oneness of the Father and the Son—How do they live in unity? How does their oneness impact and inspire our oneness?
• What is the “complete unity” Jesus talks about in verse 23? How is this different from the world’s definition of unity?
• What does our unity communicate to the world around us (vs. 21, 23)? What then does our disunity communicate?
• How have we both failed and succeeded at living out Jesus’ prayer for unity?*
• What keeps us from pursuing unity in today’s world? How can you overcome those barriers?
• How do we pursue unity with other Christians whose views/actions seem counter to life in Christ? How might you pursue covenantal oneness with another Christian who is actively shaming or oppressing people made in God’s image? What would this look like (give some tangible examples)?

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*This question was influenced by N.T. Wright’s book, John for Everyone: 26 Studies for Individuals and Groups