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Unpack the Message:

Suggested resource: Beyond the Screen - Youth Ministry for the Connected But Alone Generation - Andrew Zirschky 

Following established trends, the early 2000s saw increased numbers of young people moving from in-person to online relationships. Recently, COVID-19's mandatory quarantines meant millions of people were cut off from family, friends, and coworkers, exacerbating feelings of isolation and loneliness. According to a 2020 survey, more than three in five Americans are lonely, with more and more people reporting feeling "left out, poorly understood and lacking companionship." (NPR) 

God created us for community (Proverbs 17:17; Romans 12:5; Colossians 3:13; Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14), and in community, we find communion—a commonality that recognizes how much we need one another, despite our differences. The Latin root of communion is communionem, meaning "fellowship, mutual participation, or sharing," things we all long for. 

Scripture is filled with admonitions to build community and be unified in our faith. In John 17,  we read Jesus' longest prayer recorded in Scripture. He prays for Himself, His disciples, and all believers. In verses 20-23, Jesus prays specifically for complete unity amongst all Christians so that the world would know that God so loved us that He sent His only Son Jesus to bear the penalty of our sin, redeeming us and restoring us for all eternity. Through this demonstration of love and unity, God will be glorified (John 17:24).

At Expectation Church, our mission is to live in such a way that the world sees something they can't find anywhere else. Two of our five core values are Welcome Home and Outward Focused. We want every person that sets foot on our campus to feel the relief and the peace that comes from being surrounded by people who love them, accept them, and want to support them no matter where they are in their spiritual journey. We don't affirm every life choice nor do we dismiss sin, but we endeavor to point them to Jesus and His redeeming love in everything we do. 

The ordinance of Communion is not only an invitation to be one with Jesus through submission, but it is also an opportunity to participate in His mission. It allows us to repent of sin and align our hearts with Jesus, who desires that we be in unity with Him the same way He is in unity with the Father. Our unity is evident through our love for others because, through it, everyone will know we are Jesus' disciples (John 13:34-35). 

Disunity turns people away from the gospel and is too often the reason people don't want to go to church or see a need for salvation. However, when we as disciples of Christ demonstrate unity in faith and love, the world is struck by the inescapable truth that Jesus is Lord, that He holds the key to history and the future, and that He is God incarnate, savior of all mankind.

  • Read John 17:20-23. How many times does Jesus use the word "one" in this prayer? What does that tell us about the value He places on unity? When His church is divided, what message does that send to the world? 

  • Who is Jesus praying for in these verses? How does it make you feel when you hear Jesus prayed for you? 

  • Someone once said that there are things we should fuss about, fewer things we should fight about, and very few things we're willing to die for. What subjects divide Christians and the church today? Are these non-essential truths with no bearing on eternity? If so, will those things divide us in heaven? If not there, why do they divide us here?

  • What does a united church look like? 

  • Would people you know be drawn to Christianity if Christians stood upon the truth of God's Word, demonstrated unity, and had genuine love for one another? 

  • How do we determine which doctrines are essential and which are important but not essential? What criteria apply?

  • Discuss: "This is the message that the disciples both then and now are to present to the hostile world. God sent Jesus. And Jesus sent us to the world." Gerald L. Borchert

  • If gospel unity between believers is a compelling argument for the gospel, is community something you intentionally pursue? Is unity something you intentionally guard and defend? What are subtle and overt ways we can undermine unity?

Make a Move: 

Are there brothers and sisters in Christ that you need to stop criticizing? If so, how will you demonstrate unity with them from this day forward? Ask God for wisdom and the courage to make things right between you and those you are unduly critical of. 

Prayer Prompt: 

Lord, sometimes it seems there is more that divides your children than brings us together. I pray that you would help us find unity on the issues that divide us and instead lead us to Your truth. Help us discern what is important to You versus what is important to culture or politicians. While both need prayer, I ask that You would help us understand what is most important. Amen