Jesus' Dying Wish

Do you know what Jesus prayed for on the night of his betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion? Us.

In John 17, we read one of the prayers that Jesus prayed for his disciples:

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me."

"That they will be one." About 10 years ago, I read Building a Church of Small Groups and got my first lesson on this passage from Russ Robinson. About five years later, I heard him teach on it in person. And between the influence of the Holy Spirit and Russ Robinson, these verses have gripped my soul.

One of Jesus' last prayers was for community. For a sense of oneness and teamwork and commitment amongst his followers.

Why do I love small groups? Because community was Jesus' dying wish.