Scripture: 

[18] As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. [19] And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

[20] “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, [21] that 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. [22] The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, [23] I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. [24] Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. [25] O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. [26] I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

(John 17:18-26 ESV)

Observation:

Jesus sends out his disciples with a mission - to represent God the Father to the world (John 17:18), and then he prays against what may possibly be one of the biggest hindrances to the gospel's movement - disunity.

Multiple times Jesus prays for unity. The unity he prays for isn't just some sort of casual "we get along" but unity in every facet of the word. He prays that we (all believers) would be one as the TRINITY is one. That's mind boggling. He prays that we would be on the same page as he and the Father on the same page. Why? So that the gospel would go forth. After each time Jesus mentions unity, he also mentions something along the lines of, "so the world may know..."

So why is unity so difficult? It is hard enough to get two people on the same page, let alone 12, a church, or an entire religious worldview. I think, in many ways, it comes down to the words of Jesus' brother, James, who wrote, "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? (James 4:1)" Why is unity hard? Because we are proud people who want to be right about everything, and the only way past that kind of pride is supernatural love (John 17:26)

Application & Prayer:

Lord, help us to be a people who mutually submit to one another in love, graciously submit to our leadership, and boldly submit to the Word of God. God, we need to have your love at work in us so that our entire perspective on things changes. Please help me to toss aside my personal preferences and exchange them for the truth of your Bible. As we all do that, God, we will find unity. Give us the courage, discipline, and grace to fight for the unity that you command and the gospel calls for.