John 17

“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

Could it really be that simple?
"That the world may believe that You sent me" - Jesus' mission strategy to win the world is based on unity. It is relational.

That makes little sense to me sometimes:- we studied mission strategies in class at Bible College, and I get that relationship is a powerful - if not the only - way to disciple. It all just sounds so idyllic.

Here's the rub. People. It involves other people. You know what I am talking about.

A few weeks ago Roshni and I were visiting someone in public hospital. We were waiting for the elevator, and as the door opened it was rather full. Probably six people were already in it, but they shuffled awkwardly back to make more room as we squeezed in. My face was against the door, the man in the suit and briefcase was on one side, and a lady in heals on the other. It was really uncomfortable - but hey, it's only a short ride.
As I watched the floor numbers change I noticed a sign that read "Maximum 24 people". Can you imagine attempting that?
The briefcase man is now pushing my face against the door and the heals are digging into my foot - I can smell someone's breath. All I can think of is wrapping that briefcase around heads - and who's elbow am I biting?

You know exactly what I am talking about. Add a little pressure and a short ride becomes a scrap to the death.
The Church can be just like that elevator.

Clowns know something the Church must learn about working together in tight spaces. Each Clown learns to take the discomfort of the other Clowns, and no Clown is putting their own comfort first by trying to take more space for themselves.

Paul was a Clown, willing to be a fool for Christ's sake. He wrote to the Church in Ephesus:

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Jesus wasn't being utopian in his thinking. He of all people knows the sting of what humans like do to each other, he understands our brokenness:-

That's why unity is his prayer.