Commission – sent with a duty (purpose) and authority to fulfill it (power)
Purpose of Jesus’ prayers: “that they may be one” (John 17:11, 21, 22, 23)
Unity – one in belief, one in purpose!
Jesus prayerfully sends us into the world together with purpose!

Unite together for our commissioned purpose!

3 ways we unite in purpose:

1. Reflect God’s empowering glory 1-5, 22-26

Jesus prays that God would glorify Him.
God’s glory is our supreme pursuit!
Jesus has given that glory unto us:

• The indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Peter 4:14)
• To share in His suffering (John 12:23, 27–28, 32)
• To empower our unity and testimony (John 17:22–23)

2. Keep God’s protecting Word 6-13

Jesus prays that God would keep His disciples.
Keep = preserve, guard, sustain
God keeps us as we keep His Word!

• In His “name” – character, nature
• We guard God’s truth (6).
• God preserves our unity (11) and joy (13).

3. Live God’s distinguishing pattern 14-21

Jesus prays that God would sanctify His disciples.
“Sanctify” = set apart: by truth, in holiness and in purpose
Don’t isolate from the world (15, 18), and don’t imitate the world (16–17)!
Engage with the world, with God’s eyes, heart, and mind!
We have a different pattern for our unity and testimony to the world (21)!