Prayer for the Future, John 17:20-21

This post concerns a prayer for Jesus’ future disciples.

Prayer for the Future discusses the future that Jesus desired for his followers, John 17:20-21. “ I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all…one, just as you, Father…in me, and I in you, that they also may…in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

This part of the prayer becomes futuristic in that a major problem will develop which will divide the church and Jesus’ followers. Jesus prays that this will not happen. In fact, He prays for unity for his followers like that between Him and the Father. This unity between the Father and the Son constitutes a complete uniting of love and purpose that Jesus wants for His disciples. Thus, Jesus prays that this love and unity will exist in His disciples.

Understanding the unity believers have with Deity will cause a deep love of God.

Also, loving God involves following the scriptures, 1 John 5:3. “For this…the love of God that we keep his commandments.”

Note the reason for Jesus asking for this unity—so the world will believe that He came from God. This becomes a problem in many nations that do not acknowledge the true God and His Son.

Unfortunately, today believers have become greatly divided. Many do not follow the New Testament exactly. For example, many churches do not teach that you gain forgiveness of sin through baptism as was taught by Peter, Acts 2:37-38. “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins,”

We need to encourage unity today in answer to Jesus’ prayer.

Following the scriptures exactly will result in this unity Jesus desires.

So, what did we learn?

1.Jesus prayed for unity of His followers.

2.Many do not teach ‘repentance and baptism’ for forgiveness of sins today.

3.Following the scriptures exactly will provide unity of believers.

For more on the Bible, click tdroberts.org or https://justchristian.com or https://podcastjustchristian.com

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