May We All Be One as Jehovah and Jesus Are One

"I make request .  . that they may all be one  just as you, Father are in union with me." - JOHN 17:20, 21.


HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?

* What sort of prejudices did Jesus' early disciples have to overcome?

* What first-century example prove that people overcome disunity?

* What can we do to promote unity among God's people today?


JESUS was concerned about unity during his finals supper with his apostles.  When praying with them, he spoke of his desire that all his disciples be one, just as he and his Father are one.  (Read John 17:20, 21.)  Their unity would give a powerful witness, offering clear evidence that Jehovah had sent Jesus to the earth to do God's will.  Love would be a mark of Jesus' true disciples that would contribute to their unity. -John 13:14, 15.

Jesus' emphasis on unity is understandable. He had noticed a lack of unity or harmony among the apostles, such as during his final meal with  them. As had happened before, a dispute arose over "which one of them was considered to be the greatest." (Luke 22:24-27; Mark 9:33, 34)  Another time, James and John requested that Jesus give them prominent places alongside him in his Kingdom. -Mark 10:35-40. 

Desire for prominence, however, was not the only potential cause of disunity among Christ's disciples.  The people of the land were divided by animosity and prejudice.  Jesus' disciples would need to overcome those feelings.  In this article,  we will consider the following questions.  How did Jesus deal with prejudice?  How did he help his followers to learn to treat others impartially and be  truly united?  And how will his teaching help us to keep united?

Next time: May We All Be One as Jehovah and Jesus Are One -PREJUDICE THAT JESUS AND HIS FOLLOWERS FACED

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