At the last Passover meal before His death, Jesus prayed to His Father that these and those (His Jewish & Gentile disciples) would become one just like He and the Father are one (John 17). As image bearers, we are designed to reflect the unity with distinction that is the Triune GOD. But we are not displaying the true beauty of who we are created to be.

Jesus Is Inviting Us to Answer His Prayer!

At that same Passover table, He said our unity would show the world His love (John 17). His love looks like unity! A loving marriage is a unified marriage—the two mysteriously become one (Genesis 2), and yet they remain uniquely male and female. Likewise, the Triune GOD is mysteriously one and yet they remain uniquely Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Bride of Messiah is to become one even while each person and community remains unique. This is how we prepare for the wedding (His return) as Jewish & Gentile people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.

Let’s respond to the unanswered prayer of Jesus by helping graft together all the different branches of the family of Messiah into the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11). Let’s be disciples that are known by our love—a love that looks like unity with distinction; a love that champions the uniqueness of the other without compromising the holiness of GOD. The world doesn’t know & believe our GOD loves them. Let’s show them His love by unifying the diverse family of Messiah!