That they all may be one: as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou has sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them: that they may be one, even as we are one. – John 17:21-22

Text: John 17:17-23; Ephesians 4:3-6

Prop: picture of Blue Man Group* or connected PVC pipe

Summary: Jesus wants his followers to be united in Spirit and truth.

On a recent trip to Orlando, Florida I met a member of the Blue Man Group. The Blue Man Group has a show with three “blue men” that combine music, comedy, and mime to entertain all age groups. They use plastic pipe (PVC) that is used in home plumbing as a way to show that we are connected. In today’s lesson, our Lord Jesus prayed that Christians would be made perfect in one, connected by the Holy Spirit and truth (God’s word).

(Read John 17:17-23.)

Jesus was praying at the Lord’s Supper for everyone who would eventually believe that he was God’s Son. He prayed that God’s word would be understood as the truth that it is, and unite the believers in a common purpose. That purpose was to tell the good news that Jesus was sent by God to become the way to heaven (in BMG-speak, up on the roof of bliss).

Jesus prayed that God would send the Holy Spirit to live within those who believed and trusted in him. He explained that the trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were one. He wanted his followers to be united by the Holy Spirit and the truth of His word. That means that we work together as Christians to share God’s message of hope in the world.

The apostle Paul spoke similar words to the new Christians at Ephesus. Read Ephesians 4:3-6. He used the word “one” to connect us. He explained that we should be united by the Holy Spirit and work peacefully to tell others about Jesus.

Let us pray: Dear Lord Jesus, unite us by your Spirit to tell people about you. Amen.

©2009 by Jim Kerlin. All rights reserved.

Photos of Blue Man Group © Blue Man Productions Inc. Used by permission.