John 17:21
Afrikaans DB 2006 (Die Boodskap)
Vir hulle bid Ek ook! Vader, gee dat hulle in lojaliteit teenoor mekaar soos een man sal saamstaan. Vader, U weet hoe heg en intiem ons verhouding met Mekaar is. Ons belange, denke en dade is totaal een. Gee asseblief dat hulle verhouding onder mekaar en veral met Ons net so heg en intiem sal wees. As die mense in hierdie wêreld sien hoe die gelowiges saamstaan en saamwerk, sal hulle oë daarvoor begin oopgaan dat U My na hulle toe gestuur het.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from John's Gospel, Jesus is praying to God the Father that all his followers may be united as he and the Father are one. He hopes that through their unity, people will believe that God sent him.
Explained for Children
Imagine you and your best friend always work together and understand each other perfectly. Jesus wants all his friends (followers) to be like that with each other so everyone can see how special they are as a group.
Historical Background
The Gospel of John was written around AD 90-100 by the Apostle John, an eyewitness to Jesus' life and teachings. This prayer comes at a significant moment before Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing his desire for unity among believers.
Living It Out Today
In modern terms, this verse encourages Christians in local churches or community groups to strive for deep unity and understanding within their group so that outsiders can see the love of God through them.
Topics
unityprayerfaithlovebelieversJesus
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Jesus pray that believers be one?
Jesus prays for unity among his followers because he believes this unity is a powerful witness to the world, showing that God's love and truth are real.
How can we achieve the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17:21?
Achieving unity requires intentional effort in understanding each other, practicing forgiveness, and focusing on shared beliefs rather than differences. Prayer and active community engagement also play crucial roles.
What does it mean to be 'one' with Jesus and the Father as described in John 17:21?
Being 'one' means having a deep, spiritual connection where followers share God's values and work together for his purposes, reflecting their unity in love and purpose.
How does this prayer impact non-believers according to John 17:21?
The prayer suggests that when believers are united in Jesus' name, it creates a compelling display of God's presence and truth, potentially leading others to believe in Jesus.