I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.
John 17:21
When someone is facing death, we pay special attention to what they say. Last words can carry the weight of a whole life within them. They often tell us in a nutshell something essential about the person speaking.
The night of His betrayal that led straight to His execution, Jesus spent time in prayer. While it was not unusual for Him to pray at length to His Father in heaven, this was no ordinary prayer. This was His last recorded prayer before the events of His death churned into motion. Like so many other last words, the words of this prayer reveal something essential about the Person who is speaking them.
And what did He pray for, knowing what lay ahead? Did He pray for punishment to come down on those who opposed and threatened Him? No. Did He pray for world peace, to avoid all death and destruction? No. Did He pray that His Father would provide an escape for His followers to flee the dangerous world? No.
Jesus prayed for oneness.
He knew that there is but one solution to every threat or danger, suffering or injustice, and that solution is to be one with God, just as He was Himself. God is love, and only Love can adequately address anything and everything that comes to us in this life. Love keeps us safe, at peace, and forgiven. Living in Love, living in God, is the only way that we can live with God and each other as one and experience a taste of the togetherness for which we were made. That is the life that Jesus has and the life He most wants for us. It is what was on His heart just before He died.
The Real Question: Do I share Jesus’ ultimate desire for me: to be one with God and others?
Family Talk: Question:-What are the two greatest commandments according to Jesus? Answer: Love God and Love others. What does it mean to love?
ONE in Prayer: Jesus, I join your prayer for me – to live as one with God and others. Build into me an awareness of Your love that holds us all and let Your love guide my life. Amen.
Over the last few years, a oneness with our families has grown. We have been through traumatic times together and shared many special memories together as one. Our children are “our” children and there is nothing we would not do for each other. I truly believe that God brought our families together as One. There is so much joy in a true feeling of ”Oneness,” with God especially, when being “One” can be shared.
– Connie
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