John 17:20-23 is rich with hope for us. Jesus is asking the Father to make us one with them. What does it mean to be one with God? It almost sounds blasphemous to even say the words. We know it does not mean that we become God. That would be blasphemous because there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4).
When a man and a women are married they begin a journey toward becoming one. After many years of union, they are seen as a couple. They know each others jokes. They have heard most of each others stories. They have worked through their disagreements. Often they could finish each others sentences (though they would be wiser to refrain from doing so). They have learned how to please one another.
Jesus is praying that we are so enamored with God that we become one with him. We rejoice in who he is. We trust him. Our decisions are based on his ways. We reflect the character of God so closely that there is no doubt to whom we belong.
Tell me, what prayer of Jesus will the Father not answer?
