We’re living in a time when more and more younger Christians are stepping back from the Church, thinking they can figure out their spiritual journeys solo. There are a lot of reasons for this: disappointment over leadership scandals, a hunger for genuine connections, or just the idea that church isn’t necessary for a meaningful faith. This disengagement is a real challenge, especially in a culture that often pushes us toward individualism over community.
Against this backdrop, Jesus’s prayer in John 17 stands out. He’s praying not only for His disciples but also for all the believers to come. His emphasis? Unity within the Church. He’s not just talking about our Sunday gatherings; He’s painting a picture of a global family of believers who are unified in love and purpose. Jesus longs for us to embrace this unity—a “oneness” that shines as a beacon of hope in a world that’s often divided.
This oneness isn’t just a nice concept; it’s a powerful testament to God’s love that draws people in. In a time when isolation feels more common than connection, Jesus is reminding us that we truly need one another. Our unity reflects His heart and shows the world that something beautiful is happening here. It’s about more than just looking toward Heaven; it’s about His kingdom coming on earth. Living in community allows us to embody the love and grace that Jesus demonstrated. Together, we can rise above division and disappointment, showcasing the hope that comes from belonging to something so much bigger than ourselves.
Church is One Family
Family means different things to different people. Some think of closeness and love, while others might feel hurt or abandonment. But in Jesus’s prayer, we get a glimpse of what God’s family is meant to look like. When He says “Father” repeatedly in His prayer (four times in just a few verses), it’s like He’s reminding us of the deep, committed love that binds us all together—love that sees the best in us even when we don’t see it in ourselves.
Think about a big family reunion. You’ve got grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and kids all gathered in one place. The littlest ones might want chicken nuggets, the teens are eyeing a bag of hot Cheetos®, and the adults are getting up a kickball game where the fun uncle is determined to relive his glory days. It’s beautiful chaos that doesn’t run perfectly, but it thrives on togetherness amidst differences in age, likes, and preferences.
The Church is meant to be like that: a family that cuts across age, culture, language, and tradition. We’ve got differences—sometimes big ones—but we all come together under one Father. This is the unity Jesus prays for, a togetherness that shows the world a family unlike any other. Our unity doesn’t erase our differences; it gives us the chance to show grace, love, and forgiveness that can only come from Him.
Church Has One Purpose
“I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one.”
Jesus tells us that we’ve been given the same “glory” that God gave to Him, which is a lot to take in. This glory isn’t some flashy display of power; it’s about God’s beautiful presence dwelling within us. It’s about embodying the heart and character of God that Jesus has passed on to us. That’s what’s supposed to unite us.
Our purpose as the Church isn’t just to bask in God’s presence; it’s about reflecting that glory in how we live our lives. We can’t do life alone—it’s just not how we were made. We need each other to truly thrive. When we come together in unity—loving one another through the messiness, forgiving each other when it’s tough, and lifting one another up when life feels heavy—we show the world what God’s glory looks like. It’s a countercultural message in a world that often nudges us toward isolation. We’re meant to “one another” with those around us.
Every time we gather to worship, serve, or share a meal, we’re offering the world a taste of heaven. We’re demonstrating that something real and beautiful is happening here, something that can’t be explained apart from God. Our unity speaks volumes, and it’s a powerful witness to a world that desperately needs to see what true community looks like.
The Church Has One Mission
“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.”
Jesus didn’t just invite us into community for our own benefit; He brought us together so we could share His love with the world. Just as God sent Jesus to be the embodiment of redemption and hope, He now sends us to carry that same message forward. This mission isn’t just for pastors or missionaries; it’s a calling for everyone who claims to follow Him.
The Beauty of the Church
Is the Church perfect? No way. Sometimes it’s far from it. But that doesn’t change its beauty or the power of what it represents. The Church is a family where people grow together, serve together, and live out God’s purpose together. It’s a place where we can bring all our broken pieces and be reminded of the wholeness we have in Jesus. When we commit to each other in this way, we show the world what real community looks like—a community that isn’t about convenience but about love, commitment, and grace.
In the end, Jesus’ prayer for “oneness” echoes in our purpose and calling as His people. We’re here to walk alongside each other, sharing burdens and joys alike, and pointing the world to the One who first loved us. That’s the heart of the Church, and it’s an invitation for all of us to come in and be a part of something far bigger than ourselves. So, let’s embrace this gift of being part of God’s family and live out this calling—together.
Jacki C. King
Jacki C. King is a respected and beloved Bible teacher, author, and dedicated ministry leader. Her passion involves guiding women toward a deep love for Jesus and His Word and encouraging them to embrace their mission in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
She is the author of The Calling of Eve: How Women of the Bible Inspire the Women of the Church (Tyndale 2022). A proud native Texan, Jacki serves alongside her husband Josh, who serves as Lead Pastor of their local church, along with their three boys. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and Ministry to Women from Criswell College and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
