The Real Lord’s Prayer… (John 17) 290408
We usually think that Matthew 6:9-13 or Luke 11:2-4 are the Lord’s Prayer. If we look at the context of these two similar passages, we will know that these should be called "The Disciples’ Prayer". Jesus is teaching His disciples how to pray upon their request. Today’s passage, John 17, is commonly known as the High Priestly Prayer, which I will consider as the Rear Lord’s Prayer.
In this prayer, our Lord Jesus is praying for three groups of people: 1) Himself (vv1-8), 2) His disciples (vv9-19) and 3) His Church (all believers) to come (vv20-26). This prayer is set in the Farewell Discourse of Jesus starting from Chapter 14. This prayer also takes the pattern of final words or departing prayers of Jewish tradition. We can compare such Farewell Discourse with the farewell of Moses in Deuteronomy. That farewell (Deut. 32 – 33) has a form of prayer similar to that found in John 17.
From this prayer, I notice that Jesus is praying for people. Yes, people. Jesus primary concern is His Father’s name, His disciples survival in the world and His future believers. This is such a rich prayer. As I meditate on this prayer, I see one common theme: Unity.
Firstly, Jesus asks to be glorified with the Father together before the world (v5). Isn’t that interesting thought? Jesus asks to be united with His Father. If we read verse 4 together, we will see that Jesus is claiming that He was with God in the beginning and was sent by God to earth to accomplish His works (v4). Jesus was "separated" from His Father while He is on earth, but in this prayer, He "reminded" Himself that He and His Father are ONE! They are together. The Father and the Son are one entity. When the Son is glorified, the Father is also glorified. This has great implication in our theology of God. We tend to separate or compartmentalize Jesus, Father and even the Holy Spirit. But they are actually One. Though they may seem to have different functions and roles in redemptive history of mankind, but they are actually One.
Sometimes when we relate to God, we relate only to one of the three entities. When we need a favor, we ask Jesus. When we need providence, we appeal to the Father. And when we need power, we ask the Holy Spirit. When we need forgiveness of our sins, we come before our Redeemer Jesus. When we need justice, we call for the Righteous Father. And when we need to deal with our sins, we ask for the Counselor, Holy Spirit. This is how we have divided God! But they are One. We need to recognize that and relate to them as One.
Secondly, Jesus asks that His disciples maybe one as He and His Father are one (v11). Unless we truly understand that God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are One, we will not appreciate our relationship with each other as fellow disciples. The Bible teaches us that the church is portrayed as a body (1 Cor 12), a building (1 Peter 2) and even a vine and its branches (John 15). There are strong emphasis on the inter-relatedness and connectedness among the members or rather the disciples. In the Book of Acts, we see how such unity was being played out and resulted great growth together with the teaching of the Word (Acts 2:42-47). How important it is for you and I to continue to be united in Christ?
Our unity comes from the Word of God, and the Person Jesus Christ. We are not united by a slogan or a mere mission statement. Our unity is found in the reality of day to day living. I am glad that we are making extra efforts to come together for fellowship so that we can know each other better. But we should as begin to build trust with one another by opening up our vulnerability to one another with the trust and faith that we will help each other to grow toward Christ-likeness. I think the best way to encourage sharing from fellow brothers and sisters who have struggles is to listen. Just listen. When they are sharing their needs and concerns, we just listen. Be quick to listen (James 1:19), and slow to give a solution or our comments. It is not that our comments or solutions are worthless, but let’s learn to commit first our struggles to God then as the Lord leads us to help in giving different insight or perspectives of the situation, we should then do so. Listen is the key for effective communication, and effective communication is the key to good relationship.
Thirdly, Jesus asks that the church to be perfected in unity so that the world Him who has been sent and love them (v23). Another reason for us to be united as believers of Jesus Christ is that we may show the world who Jesus really is. Jesus is a lover of peace and unity. Yes, He is here to divide the world from His chosen people, but He desires unity among His people. Unless we are united and have love for one another (John 13:35), if not our message of love will be just a slogan and we appear to be contradicting. Furthermore, disunity grieves the Holy Spirit too.
Recently, I was asked to step in to help in a ministry which is encountering some resource issue. As I look into it more, I discover that there maybe more to resource problem. There seems to be some unhappiness and resentment among the members of this ministry. Well, I have two choices; 1) just pull in some resources to help the ministry to move on, or 2) dig out the underlying issue of such resentment and deal with it until unity is restored. Pray for me to do the what is right.
This is the Real Lord’s Prayer for you and me. Let’s take in seriously and remain united in Christ.
HHS…
Abel…
