The language of Jesus’ prayer as recorded in John 17 is that of unity. Jesus says, “They know in truth that I came from you” (v. 8). Jesus also references that he has coexisted with the Father “before the world existed” (v. 5). And later in verse eleven Jesus prays that God would protect the disciples and unify them in the same way that Jesus and God are unified, stating “as we are one.” A few observations from the text: Jesus desires for the disciples to have the same kind of intimacy and love for one another that are manifest in the Father and the Son. Jesus also clearly states that he is God – and that there is one true God. And that Jesus is speaking not of uniformity, but rather unity.It’s easy to assume that Jesus is praying for the disciples to agree to disagree and be one. However, Jesus is very clearly advocating a unity that is so close that nothing can get between them. Perhaps the verse in Romans 8 “nothing can separate us from the love of God…” is a good mental picture of this unity. Another image is the loaf of bread which is served at Communion. Whenever I serve the congregation, I say, “the body of Christ, which is for you.” I do not say “broken for you.” The bread represents his body which was pierced but not broken (see John 19:36). As we pray for unity in our love for one another, may the One who is the “Bread of Life” give us unbroken fellowship through his love.  Grace and peace, Pastor Bob