Be One with the Father at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Our journey toward Easter has now reached the place where Christians have commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus for the better part of two millennia. 

In the eighth or seventh century BC, the area was a large limestone quarry. It became a cemetery; at least four tombs dating from this period have been discovered.

This is the tomb believed to be that of Jesus, together with its antechamber. On this site the Holy Sepulchre Church was built.

While there is some debate surrounding if this is actually the correct location for Christ's death and burial, which we'll discuss at greater length tomorrow, let's focus today on what it can teach us about fulfilling one of Jesus' final wishes. 

Are we answering Jesus’ prayer today?

In John 17, the gospel writer records the last lesson our Lord shared with his disciples while in the Upper Room. Think back to the time we spent there a few days ago and try to once again place yourself among the now eleven disciples as they listened to their Rabbi speak. 

John 13–16 records the numerous topics on which our Lord spoke. By the time he reached the end, you can imagine the disciples’ hearts and heads were spinning. So, rather than continue on, Jesus concluded by simply praying for them. 

While the content of that prayer touched on his impending death (the purpose for which he came) and the Father's faithfulness throughout his ministry, Jesus finished with the request that his followers across the ages would "be one" just as he and the Father were one (John 17:20–21). 

As Christians, we have not always done a good job of respecting that final wish. 

History is replete with examples of war, conflict, and disrespect among Christians over issues that pale in importance to our shared mission of helping the lost find Jesus. 

That's why the way in which Christians of so many denominations work together to welcome all visitors to come and worship the Lord at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is so worthy of note. Outside those walls, they disagree on a number of theological issues, but they're able to set all that aside in the pursuit of something greater. 

If we want to be the answer to Christ's prayer today, we must do the same.

Photo: The Chapel of St. Helena within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. © Denison Ministries