The belief in the Bible develops a deeply private and deep moment where Jesus prays not only for His disciples but also for all future believers. This prayer, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer, emphasizes the need for unity between Jesus and the Father, a central belief of the Christian religion. This unity is not only a scriptural concept; it’s a dynamic, living relationship that Jesus shares with God, and which He extends to His followers.
At its center, the unity between Jesus and the Father is about oneness. In one great instance in John 17:21 Jesus states, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us.” This statement isn’t just spiritual; it’s a message for the believers. For Christians, understanding this unity is important because it shapes how we see God and our relationship with Him. It suggests that through Jesus, believers can experience a closeness with God that mirrors the closeness between Jesus and His Father.
This unity has practical implications for how Christians live and interact with the world. It calls believers to live in a way that reflects the unity and love of Jesus and the Father. This includes how we treat others, how we handle adversity, and how we represent Christ in our daily lives. The call to be one with each other as Jesus is one with the Father challenges us to overcome divisions and to foster peace and understanding in our communities.
A key aspect of this unity is the continual growth in understanding and relationship with God. As believers explore deeper into their faith, their understanding of God’s nature and their relationship with Him grows. This growth is beautifully captured in an emotional thought: “If our concepts of him aren’t changing, we aren’t growing. While Jesus doesn’t change, he is found everywhere and if we were able to grasp his greatness at first acquaintance, there would be no room for growth.” This reflection reminds us that spiritual growth is an ongoing journey of learning more about Jesus’ character and His teachings.
Engaging with Scripture and spending time in prayer is key for believers seeking to understand and experience this unity. Through Scripture, Christians learn about the nature of God and the life of Jesus. Prayer offers a direct line of communication with God, allowing believers to express their desires, confess their faults, and seek guidance. Both practices deepen the believer’s relationship with God and enhance their understanding of the divine unity.
In today’s modern and often divided world, the message of unity is more relevant than ever. It calls for a reflection on the nature of our relationships both with God and with each other. It encourages believers to express the love and unity of Jesus and the Father in their interactions and to strive for a deeper, more meaningful connection with the divine.
In the book “Knowing Our Savior” by J.V. Lewis, this unity is further explored, emphasizing the deep impact it can have on personal faith and community life. He highlights practical ways believers can live out this unity, inspiring readers to seek a deeper connection with God through everyday actions and decisions.
Understanding and experiencing the unity between Jesus and the Father is a journey of faith that continues throughout a believer’s life. Each step forward improves their spiritual life and offers fresh visions into the endless nature of God’s love. Lewis’s visions in his book provides a valuable guide for those seeking to deepen their understanding of this divine relationship, making it an essential read for anyone on this spiritual journey.
