“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you 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. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.”

John 17:20–23

You walk into your classroom. It is filled with differences: different personalities, learning needs, home situations, and emotional levels. You do your best to meet each child where they are, but there are days when it just seems overwhelming.

You’ve found yourself running on empty, wondering if you’re doing enough. You’ve felt frustrated when students don’t respond the way you hoped, or when fellow teachers see things differently than you do. Sometimes, instead of unity, all you feel is tension or disconnection.

And then there’s your own heart… it’s quick to compare, quick to judge, quick to grow impatient. You know the importance of showing Christ-like love, but it doesn’t always come easily.

The law is honest: we fall short. As much as we strive for harmony and teamwork, we often slip into selfishness. We fail to love others as Christ has loved us. We try to create unity on our own terms and forget that it’s not ours to build. We’re reminded again and again – we need a Savior.

On the night before His death, Jesus looked ahead in love – not just to the cross, but to you. He prayed for you: “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” (v. 20). How beautiful to think about your very Savior, praying for you! He saw your classroom, your heart, your efforts, and your failures…and he loved you. He bore your pain so that you wouldn’t have to.

He prayed for unity – a unity that he would accomplish. Through his death, Jesus broke down every barrier between us and God. Through his resurrection, he gave us life, purpose, and peace. Because he lives, we are united to him and to each other.

This unity isn’t about agreeing on everything or having the perfect classroom. It’s about being one in Christ – washed in his blood, filled with his Spirit, and called by his grace.

So, as you walk into your classroom today, or take on whatever task set before you – take heart! Your ministry matters, not because of what you do, but because of what Christ has already done. He lives. And because he lives, you are not alone. You are part of his body, a diverse and beautiful family, made one in his name.

Prayer: