The Imperative of Christian Unity: Reflecting on Jesus' Prayer in John 17

Christian unity is not merely an idealistic aspiration or a sentimental hope; it is a divine command rooted deeply in the heart of Jesus Christ’s prayer for His followers. Missio Mosaic works to be a bridge of unity for those coming from various traditions, but we are often asked why we work for such unity. In John 17, often called the High Priestly Prayer, Jesus explicitly prays for the unity of His disciples, underscoring its essential role in the life and witness of the Church. Yet, it seems as if the Church has never been able to fulfill this unity since the time of the early church. This unity is foundational for the Church’s mission, its identity as the body of Christ, and its testimony to the world. Drawing on theological reflections, historical examples, and missional imperatives, it becomes clear why the Church must be united around Jesus’ command for unity in John 17.

Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 states, “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” (ESV). This unity is modeled on the perfect oneness of the Father and the Son, a unity characterized by mutual indwelling, love, and purpose. Christian unity is not a superficial or organizational unity but a spiritual reality grounded in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and expressed through enduring love and commitment. This unity transcends cultural, racial, ethnic, and denominational divisions, reflecting the reconciling work of Christ on the cross. The blood of Jesus reconciles not only humanity to God but also believers to one another, creating a new family that embodies God’s love visibly and tangibly. Without this unity, the Church’s witness is fragmented and weakened, undermining its mission and the credibility of the Gospel message.

Jesus explicitly links the unity of His followers to the world’s ability to believe in Him. The visible unity of the Church serves as a powerful testimony to the reality of God’s love and the truth of the Gospel. When Christians are divided, the world perceives inconsistency and conflict, which detracts from the message of reconciliation and salvation. The Church’s unity is a sign of salvation and a foretaste of the eschatological hope when all things will be united in Christ. The Church’s mission is to embody this future reality in the present, demonstrating through its unity that the Gospel has the power to overcome divisions and bring peace. Disunity, therefore, is not only a failure of Christian love but a contradiction of the Gospel itself.

The Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples of all nations is intrinsically linked to its unity. Mission and unity are mutually dependent; active missionary obedience reveals the Church’s true nature and exposes disunity as incompatible with its calling (The Household of God). The Church is called to be on mission, a community intentionally embodying the kingdom of God in specific localities, equipped and empowered by the Spirit to engage the world faithfully. In contexts of pluralism and religious diversity, a united Church can present a coherent and compelling witness to Christ. It can pool resources, share insights, and support one another in evangelism and service. Conversely, division weakens the Church’s ability to respond effectively to the challenges of the world and diminishes its impact.

Christian unity is fundamentally rooted in the atoning work of Christ on the cross. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s reconciling love, breaking down barriers between people and creating a new humanity. This unity is not achieved by human effort alone but is a gift of grace that requires repentance, humility, and faith. The Church’s unity is trinitarian in nature, involving the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father sends the Son, the Son accomplishes redemption, and the Spirit applies this redemption by creating and sustaining the Church as a community of faith and love. Understanding mission and unity through this trinitarian lens helps the Church to embody the fullness of God’s purpose and to live out its calling authentically.

Despite the clear biblical mandate, the Church has often been marked by divisions and sectarianism. These divisions undermine the Church’s witness and mission. The ecumenical movement of the nineteenth century stressed and worked toward the visible unity of the churches, but fell into decline because it lost its centeredness on the Gospel. The central truths of the Gospel must remain at the center. However, unity does not mean uniformity or the erasure of legitimate theological and liturgical differences. Rather, it calls for mutual recognition, respect, and a shared commitment to the core truths of the Gospel. It requires ongoing dialogue, charity, and a willingness to be shaped by the Spirit’s work across traditions.

The Church is called to be a visible sign of God’s kingdom on earth, embodying the reconciliation and unity that Christ has won. This visible unity is essential for the Church’s identity and mission. It is through this unity that the Church can authentically proclaim the Gospel and invite others into the life of God’s family. The Church’s unity must be visible and recognizable as a family, transcending divisions of race, culture, and tradition. This visible unity serves as a powerful witness to the world and a foretaste of the eschatological hope when all things will be made new in Christ.

Yet, for Christian unity to be authentic and transformative, it must also be aligned with justice. Unity without justice becomes mere collusion, a false peace that ignores the wounds and divisions caused by sin and systemic brokenness. True unity, shaped by the mission of God, involves confronting injustice with love, truth, and a commitment to reconciliation. In this light, mission refines unity by calling the Church to pursue right relationships, ensuring that unity serves peace not by avoiding conflict, but by faithfully embodying the reconciling work of Christ.

The Church must be united around Jesus’ command for unity in John 17 because this unity is foundational to its identity, mission, and witness. It reflects the love and oneness of the Triune God, embodies the reconciling work of Christ on the cross, and serves as a compelling testimony to the world. Unity enables the Church to fulfill its mission effectively, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to overcome division and bring peace. In a world marked by fragmentation and conflict, the Church’s visible unity is a prophetic sign of hope and a call to faithfulness. It requires humility, repentance, and a commitment to the Spirit’s work in breaking down barriers. By embracing Jesus’ prayer for unity, the Church can become a credible witness to the love of God and the truth of the Gospel, fulfilling its calling as the household of God and the body of Christ.

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The Rt Rev Page Brooks, PhD, Bishop and Missional Lead of Missio Mosaic: A Missional Society

Professor of Society and Culture, Mosaic Institute of Kairos University

State Command Chaplain (COL), Louisiana National Guard