Lent 2023: John 17:20-26

Jesus Prays for All Believers

20 “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word. 21 May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. 22 I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they will see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the world’s foundation. 25 Righteous Father, the world has not known you. However, I have known you, and they have known that you sent me. 26 I made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love you have loved me with may be in them and I may be in them.”

—John 17:20-26

Read & Journal

Read John 17:20-26. Ask yourself:

• What do these verses teach you about Christ, his character or his mission?

• This section of Jesus’ high priestly prayer is focused on the followers who would come in the future—us. What do these verses help you to understand about Jesus’ love for you?

• Jesus prays for unity among his followers. Unity in Scripture is not everyone agreeing on every point. It’s a sense of wholeness and acceptance that we all need each other. Are there examples of that in your relationships with other believers? In your church? What have you learned from those experiences?

• You can’t have unity with other believers if you aren’t living in unity with God. Sin can cause disruption to your relationship with him, even as a believer. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any sin you need to confess to restore your relationship with the Father.

• Jesus prayed that as his follower, you would experience unity (v. 11), be protected from the evil one (v. 15) and live in holiness (v. 17). Journal your prayer of response, thanking God for what he has done through Christ.