14th Anniversary Sunday

“What Jesus still prays for” 
John 17: 20-23

1. Jesus prays for Himself (John 17:1–5)
2. For the Eleven (John 17: 6–19)
3. And then for us—all who would believe through their message (John 17:20–26

The reason we’re here after fourteen years isn’t because of our cleverness or our grit. We are here because Jesus prayed us here. 

I. The Chain of Faith (John 17:20) “Those who will believe” 

AW Tozer said “The unity of the Church was born not in a committee, but in the prayer closet of the Savior.”

II.The Shape of Our Unity: (v.21) “As We are one”

The Trinity is the pattern our unity as a church mirrors: distinct persons, perfect fellowship 

Ephesians 4:3

Unity ≠ Unanimity:
- Unanimity demands agreement on everything.
- Unity rests in shared life in Christ, truth of the gospel, and mission to the world.

“Our unity is evangelism.” - Francis Schaeffer

III. The Substance & Power for uncommon unity: (v.22–23a) “I have given them the glory”

This glory is transforming (2 Cor. 3:18), indwelling (Col. 1:27), and uniting (John 17:22):
This Glory is: The life of Christ in the people of Christ for the mission of Christ.

 “The Church’s unity is the living echo of God’s love.” -St. Augustine

Glory doesn’t make us the same; it makes us His.

Two massive outcomes are on the line:
1. The world’s recognition of Jesus’ identity—“You sent Me.”
2. The world’s recognition of the Father’s love—“You have loved them as You loved Me.”

What’s at stake:
- Our unity is not a side dish; it’s the platter on which the gospel is served.
- When we divide over preferences, we muffle the megaphone of God’s love.
- When we love across differences, the world hears a clear witness: Jesus is real, and the Father’s love is for them.

For our next 14 years:
1. We will center on Christ (tuning to one pitch).
2. We will contend for unity (not unanimity).
3. We will celebrate Spirit-formed diversity (not erase distinctions).
4. We will stay on mission—“so that the world may believe.”

Four commitments for 4 Points:
1. Align, don’t demand. Unity is not agreement but alignment to Jesus’ prayer and the truth of the gospel.
2. Walk by the Spirit. Unity is supernatural; we cannot white-knuckle it. Ask to be filled (Eph. 5:18).
3. Honor difference. We don’t erase identity; we redeem it. Outdo one another in honor (Rom. 12:10).
4. Stay on mission. The most unified churches are the most sent churches (Matt. 28:18–20).

Small Group Discussion (5 Questions)

1. “Who handed you the baton?” (v.20)
Prompt: Name the person(s) whose “message” brought you to faith (family member, friend, mentor, pastor). What did they hand you that you now carry?
Next: Who are you praying for and intentionally reaching now?

2. Unity vs. Unanimity—where do you feel the pull? (v.21)
Prompt: Share a recent church/community moment where you confused unity with agreement. How might tuning to Christ (not to each other) have changed it?
Scripture tie-in: Eph. 4:1–6—what “worthy walk” behaviors protect unity?

3. Glory given—how is Christ’s life in you changing you? (vv.22–23a)
Prompt: Where have you noticed the Spirit producing Christ-likeness (patience, humility, honor) in you toward someone different?
Stretch: What’s one relationship where you need to ask the Spirit for that “glory-empowered” love?

4. What’s at stake? (v.23b)
Prompt: Where does disunity most threaten our witness (online tone, ministry turf, cultural/style preferences)?
Action: Name one practical step your group will take to make the gospel “audible” through visible love this month.

5. Our next 14 years—which commitment do you need most?
Choices: Align (not demand) • Walk by the Spirit • Honor difference • Stay on mission.
Prompt: Share why—and choose one concrete practice you’ll start this week.

3-Day Follow-Up Devotional

Theme: “What Jesus Still Prays For” (John 17:20–23)
Use individually or as a team. Each day includes Word → Reflect → Pray → Practice.

Day 1 — The Chain of Faith (v.20)
Read: John 17:20; Romans 10:14–15; Hebrews 13:7
Reflect: Jesus saw you in His prayer. Your faith is part of a relay—apostles → witnesses → you. Unity is rooted in truth (v.17) before it’s felt in togetherness. Who carried truth to you? Who needs that truth from you now?
Pray: “Jesus, thank You for those who spoke Your message to me. Make me faithful in my relay. Put names on my heart and courage in my mouth. Amen.”
Practice:
    Gratitude: Text/call one person who shaped your faith—thank them specifically.
    Intercession (3 names): Write three people who need Jesus. Pray for them by name today.
Memory line: “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.”

Day 2 — The Shape & Power of Our Unity (vv.21–22)
Read: John 17:21–22; Ephesians 4:1–6; 1 Corinthians 12:12–13
Reflect: The Trinity is our pattern: distinct yet one. Jesus gives us glory—His own life by the Spirit—so unity is received before it’s achieved. Where are you seeking sameness instead of Christ-centered oneness? Who is “different” that God is calling you to honor
Pray: “Father, tune my heart to Christ. Spirit, fill me with the glory Jesus gives—grace and truth that become patience, gentleness, and love. Make me eager to keep the unity You’ve already made. Amen.”
Practice: 
    Honor across difference: Encourage (in writing) a believer who differs from you (age, culture, gift, viewpoint on secondary matters). Name the grace of God you see in them.
    Fast from preference: Lay down one style/preference (music, method, ‘how we’ve always done it’) for the sake of someone else today.
Memory line: “I have given them the glory … that they may be one as we are one.”

Day 3 — What’s at Stake (v.23)
Read: John 17:23; John 13:34–35; Colossians 3:12–14; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20
Reflect: Our unity is evangelism. When we love across differences, the world sees Jesus and the Father’s love. Where might your tone, impatience, or tribalism be turning down the volume on the gospel?
Pray: “Lord, let our love make You believable to our city. Heal division. Make me a minister of reconciliation. Let the world know You sent Jesus and love them—even as You love Him. Amen.”
Practice:
    Peacemaking step: Seek reconciliation where tension exists—send the text, schedule the coffee, confess what is yours to confess.
    On-mission together: Serve with someone different from you (team up for a meal train, visit, outreach, or invite a neighbor to church together this Sunday).
Memory line: “Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”