📖 Biblical Definition
John 17 records the longest prayer of Jesus in the Gospels, prayed on the night of His betrayal. The prayer divides into three movements: (1) prayer for Himself, that the Father would glorify Him so He could glorify the Father (vv. 1-5); (2) prayer for the eleven, for their preservation, sanctification, and joy (vv. 6-19); (3) prayer for all who would believe through their word — the universal church across history — for unity that would convince the world that the Father had sent the Son (vv. 20-26). Often called the High Priestly Prayer because it functions as Christ's priestly intercession before His sacrifice.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
HIGH PRIESTLY , n.
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A scriptural prayer of Christ; the longest recorded prayer in the Gospels.
📖 Key Scripture
John 17:3 — "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
John 17:11 — "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are."
John 17:17 — "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth."
John 17:21 — "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity divides; Christ prayed they would be one and the world would believe.
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John 17:21 is one of the most missionally significant verses in the New Testament. Christ's prayer for the unity of His people is grounded in the unity of the Father and the Son and is intended to convince the world that the Father sent the Son. Disunity does not just hurt feelings; it muddies the witness Christ Himself prayed about.
Modern Christianity often divides over preferences, traditions, and tribal commitments. Some divisions are necessary (over essential gospel truth); most are not. Christ prayed for unity in truth (sanctified by Thy word) and unity in love. Pursue both. Refuse to multiply divisions over secondary issues; defend the gospel without flinching; love your brothers across denominational lines. The world is watching the Body Christ prayed for.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek roots below.
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G2192 — echo — to have
G37 — hagiazo — to sanctify
Usage
"Modern Christianity divides; Christ prayed they would be one."
"Disunity muddies the witness Christ Himself prayed about."
"Refuse to multiply divisions over secondary issues; defend the gospel; love brothers across lines."