So That They May Be One

Fellowship — Snacks or a Meal (10 minutes with snacks; longer, obviously, if there is a meal).

Gathering Time (5-10 minutes) Our church and nation seem to be rife with conflict, controversy, distrust, and disunity, yet God calls us to “be one.” What would this unity look like to you? What would have to change?

Group Dialogue (Approximately 30 minutes) Read John 17:1-11.

This passage logically continues through verse 19, so consider including it in your discussion. The text is not neatly divided among these themes, but for this session, consider these sections: verses 1-5 discuss the glorification of the Son, who did the work of the Father; verses 6-10 discuss the preparation of the disciples; and verses 11-18 discuss that Jesus is leaving the world, and thus giving it over to the ministry of the disciples.

Form three smaller groups, if you can, and assign one of these sections to each small group to read and examine. When they have had time to consider their text, bring the group together to compare notes. If you can, print out these questions for each group before the session. If you have fewer participants, feel free to remain as one group and explore all the questions together rather than dividing into three smaller groups.

For Group 1: Verses 1-5

• What does it mean that God has “glorified the Son” and the Son glorifies the Father?
• God has given Jesus authority “over all people.” In what ways do you see this authority exhibited (if at all)? If God has given this authority, is it possible for someone to choose not to be under that authority? If so, what does that authority mean, and what does it encompass?
• Eternal life is defined or described as “know(ing) you, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom (he) sent.” Does this conform to your understanding of eternal life? What sort of “knowing” could confer eternal life?

For Group 2: Verses 6-10

• These verses speak about the complete union God desires for all people: everyone belongs to God; God entrusted them to Jesus; Jesus taught and molded them and gave them back over to God and God’s purposes. Do you see yourself that way? Do you feel that sort of kinship with Christ and with others who claim the name of Christ? If not, what interferes with that sense of unity?
• Jesus taught the disciples God’s word, which they received and believed. What, for you, is the most important word from God? How have you received and believed it? How do you share the word?
• Jesus spoke first about glorifying God and being glorified by God. Now he says he has been glorified in the disciples. What does that mean? How does that happen? In what way could Jesus be glorified in you as a disciple?

For Group 3: Verses 11-19

• In this section, Jesus speaks about the world; he is leaving it, and the disciples are remaining. The state of the world is such that Jesus had to protect the disciples from it. What does this mean now? In what ways is the world a threat to faith in general or to disciples in particular? (Note: Being criticized or disagreed with is not the same thing as being persecuted.)
• Jesus spoke about being hated and suggested that genuine ministry begets this hatred. Why would love, generosity, forgiveness, and compassion beget hatred? Do you see this in our current social or political climate? In what ways? How should genuine ministry address this?
• When Jesus comes to the Father, he says the disciples may have “my joy made complete in themselves.” What is this joy? Do you feel a complete joy in your faith? Does joy characterize your personal discipleship?

Prayer (10 minutes). Share prayer requests and respond appropriately.

Sending Forth (2 minutes). End with the following prayer, a similar prayer, or the Lord’s Prayer:

God of the world, we give you thanks that Jesus, the Christ, has saved us and that the Spirit has molded us to be your disciples in the world. We are often overwhelmed by the needs of the world and our own unworthy efforts, yet we yearn for peace with justice. Empower us for the task of discipleship and make us bold in the face of the world’s sin. Help us to employ our gifts and stand resolute in faith. We ask this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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Diana Hynson is a retired elder, living in Lebanon, PA. She has served in local churches, as an editor at The United Methodist Publishing House, and as Director of Learning and Teaching Ministries at Discipleship Ministries. She teaches Sunday school to a lively group of older adults who still enjoy learning.