Introduction
The question What is life? has inspired countless philosophical, spiritual, and theological inquiries. Within the Christian tradition, John 17:20–24 provides a profound lens to explore this mystery, unveiling the essence of life as an intimate unity with the Divine. When viewed through the framework of Divine Essence in Motion—which integrates the stillness of awareness and the dynamic expression of divine love—this passage offers a pathway to understanding life as the interplay of oneness, love, and the movement of Spirit.
This article explores John 17:20–24 in light of Divine Essence in Motion, presenting life as the realization of divine unity, the dynamic expression of Christ-consciousness, and the embodiment of God’s eternal glory.
Scriptural Context: Unity as Life’s Ultimate Purpose
John 17:20–24 (NKJV):
“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. Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.”
In this prayer, Jesus reveals the essence of life as a shared divine unity. Life, in its truest sense, is not mere existence but a participatory experience of God’s love, presence, and glory.
Life as Unity: The Stillness of Divine Awareness
In John 17, Jesus emphasizes the oneness of believers with the Father and the Son. This unity is not metaphorical but foundational, reflecting the Advaitic principle of non-duality where there is no separation between the Divine and creation.
- Stillness and Oneness: Life begins in stillness—the recognition of our true nature as divine awareness. Jesus’ prayer, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You,” calls us to rest in this realization. This stillness transcends individuality and connects us to the eternal essence that underlies all existence.
- Glory as Awareness: Jesus speaks of sharing the glory given by the Father. In Divine Essence in Motion, glory can be understood as the radiant stillness of pure awareness—a state where we see ourselves not as separate beings but as reflections of God’s eternal light.
Life as Dynamic Expression: Love in Action
While unity with the Divine begins in stillness, it flows into dynamic expression. Jesus links divine unity with love, stating, “that the world may know that You sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
- Spanda: The Divine Pulse: In the Divine Essence in Motion framework, this dynamic movement aligns with the concept of Spanda—the pulsation of divine energy. Love becomes the tangible expression of this divine pulse, flowing through acts of compassion, service, and connection.
- Living Christ-Consciousness: Life as love in action means embodying Christ-consciousness in every thought, word, and deed. This is not merely imitating Christ but realizing that His Spirit moves within us, animating our lives with divine purpose.
Life as Awareness Embodied: The Interplay of Stillness and Movement
John 17:24 provides a powerful vision of life as the harmonious dance of stillness and movement: “Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me.”
- Being with Christ: To be “with Me where I am” signifies an awakened state where stillness (our awareness of unity) and movement (our active participation in divine love) coexist. This is the heart of Divine Essence in Motion: life as a living interplay between eternal stillness and temporal expression.
- Embodied Glory: Experiencing Christ’s glory is not limited to a future heavenly state. It is a present reality that shines through when we align our lives with divine awareness and action.
Practices to Embody Life as Divine Unity
To live the fullness of life as described in John 17:20–24, we can integrate stillness, movement, and awareness into our daily practices:
- Centering Prayer: Meditate on the phrase, “That they may be one,” allowing it to draw you into the stillness of divine unity.
- Walking Meditation: Practice walking slowly, visualizing each step as an expression of Christ-consciousness.
- Contemplative Service: Engage in acts of love with the awareness that you are the hands and feet of the Divine.
- Journaling Unity: Reflect on moments when you felt connected to God and others, and explore how this unity can shape your actions.
Conclusion: Life as the Dance of Unity and Love
In John 17:20–24, Jesus invites us to transcend the illusion of separation and experience life as a shared oneness with the Divine. Through the lens of Divine Essence in Motion, life emerges as a dynamic interplay between stillness and movement, awareness and love, unity and individuality.
Life is not something we passively receive—it is something we actively embody. It is the glory of Christ radiating through us, the love of God manifesting in our relationships, and the eternal essence expressing itself through the unfolding dance of existence.
How do you experience the fullness of life as unity with the Divine? Share your reflections below.
