GETTING STARTED
A Christian apologetic is an argument that makes the case that Christianity is true. It’s something that will cause those outside the faith to believe that Jesus is who he says he is, that the hope that we have in God can be counted on, and that church is worth people’s time. But, are apologetics some finely tuned argument, a slick marketing strategy, more educated Christians, all of the above, or something else? Read John 17:20-26 and see what Jesus says.
- What was it that caused you to trust in Jesus?
READ THE WORD: JOHN 17:20-26 (ESV)
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 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. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- Who was Jesus praying for in this passage?
- What did Jesus want to happen?
- In verses 21 and 23, Jesus prayed that we would be one. What results did he suggest would happen when we are one?
- What is the model for our oneness?
- What steps do you need to take to contribute to making your community one that is marked by unity and oneness? How is this a great apologetic for Christianity?
RESPOND TO GOD
Unity is something that God has demonstrated for all of eternity. It is essential to who he is: one God, three persons, perfectly unified in essence, purpose, and mission. But it doesn’t just end with him. He made us to not only be united with him, but also with each other. Imagine being a part of a community where you knew everyone in the room loved you, wanted the absolute best for you, and was willing to give anything and everything for you. Wherever God is, that’s what’s happening. The Father, Son, and Spirit are united in a cosmic dance of unity, love, and self-sacrifice. And God wants us to get caught up in that dance, with him and each other, “so that the world may believe.”
- Pray that you would have a heart to seek unity within the body of Christ.
- Pray that God would use that as an apologetic to tell the world about himself.