Grow Guide | March 22, 2026
Text Study for Sunday, March 22, 2026
Series Theme: That They May All Be One
Reading: John 17:20-26
CONNECTING QUESTIONS
What is an activity you enjoy sharing with someone else? What is an activity you’d prefer to do alone? Why?
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
Merciful God, accompany our journey through these forty days. Renew us in the gift of baptism, that we may provide for those who are poor, pray for those in need, fast from self-indulgence, and above all that we may find our treasure in the life of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, Amen.
CONTEXT
Our series, That They May All Be One, we will focus on Jesus's life and ministry as he journeys to the cross. Easter people, we are also on a journey! A journey for Easter church to settle into one building together. A journey to rediscover Christianity that prioritizes care for our neighbor and discipleship that mirrors the transformative love of Jesus. A journey to notice Jesus in unexpected ways and as he unites us all in his life, death and resurrection. John 17:20-21 “I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Jesus does not let anyone remain in suffering or without community. Jesus calls us together! What will you do this Lent to come to closer to Jesus and to everyone in our community? How will we share God’s love in Jesus together, as one people?
From Dr Craig Koester at EntertheBible.org:
At the conclusion of the last night with his disciples, Jesus prays that all his followers might be one. Known as the “High Priestly Prayer” Jesus first prays for himself, his current disciples, and then his prayer looks forward to the time after his resurrection, when his disciples will bring many to faith through the witness of the gospel. Unlike Matthew, Mark, and Luke where Jesus leaves his disciples to go off and pray, in John, the disciples overhear Jesus’ prayer. According to John’s Gospel, unity is an expression of love. Christians find their unity in the love they receive from God, and they express this unity in the love they give to others. John’s Gospel does not assume that Christian unity requires any one form of church organization. All of Jesus’ followers are simply known as “disciples” in John’s Gospel. Unity happens wherever Christians are commonly rooted in the love of Christ, and it is expressed whenever Christians join together in love and witness.
LOOK AT THE BOOK
How is it with your spirit this week?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
The author of the book, Stranger God, Richard Beck, invites us to pay attention this Lent to how Jesus may show up to us in disguise. Where might have you seen Jesus in disguise this Lent so far?
Open to John 17. This covers the last night Jesus spends with his disciples. If this was your last night with Jesus, what might you ask him?
In verse 20, Jesus prays that people may believe through the disciple’s message. What is the “message” of Easter Lutheran Church? Why do churches have a reputation for an unclear message?
In verse 21, why might Jesus want his followers to be “one?” Many churches resist this message for it may dilute their teaching. Is “oneness” a strength or a weakness according to this passage? Why?
Verse 23 is powerful! How are we connected to God and why does this matter?
What are the two titles ascribed to Jesus in verse 13? How are they different?
In verse 26, Jesus explains his “why” for his life-giving work. What is it?
In what ways can Easter Lutheran Church embody unity as Jesus describes in this prayer?
How is Jesus good news for us this week?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
TAKING IT HOME
Write a one sentence prayer that you can pray—about unity for the sake of or neighbors—that we can pray daily until we meet again.
Sending Prayer
Holy God, you reveal your glory in Jesus Christ and make your people one in his name. Transform us through him and shine your light on the whole world, that we would move into the future you have for us with confidence and joy in his holy name. Amen.