Discussion and Application Questions for Group Life Communities and Personal Study-
Observe – John 17: 20-26
Take time to read the passage… one or several times.
- What words or ideas captures your attention? Where are words repeated?
- What is a new thought about the passage?
- How do these verses fit into the larger context of the whole passage?
- What does Jesus mean by the word "believe?"
- How does Jesus define ‘oneness?’ (see verse 21) What does it mean that Jesus is ‘in’ a disciple?
- The Father gives glory to the Son. (v22) The Son, in turn, gives glory to the disciples and he desires that the people see his glory. (see verse 24.) What is glory?
Interpret
- Based on this passage, how would you describe the relationship between the Father and Son? How do believers fit into this relationship?
- What does a lack of unity or oneness between individuals or groups suggest? Can disagreements and unity co-exist in Christian community?
- Why do you think oneness and unity of the followers of Jesus are so important to Jesus?
- What does impact does this prayer and will of Jesus have on the issues of reconciliation between different groups, within or outside the church? (Blacks and Whites, Republicans and Democrats, etc.?)
- How is the oneness important to the overall mission of God? How do people know that Jesus was sent from God?
Apply
- How do you experience the glory of God? How do you experience the love of Father and Son in your life?
- How can you promote oneness and unity among believers? How can you actually promote healing and reconciliation between groups of people within or outside the church?
- According to the prayer of Jesus, in what ways can you help others believe in Jesus this week?