Scripture: John 17:6-11
Observation: Jesus now prays more specifically for His disciples. These men have proven themselves faithful - they have kept God's word (v.6). They also believe in Jesus, believe He is the Messiah sent by God, and have received Him. Though there is much they don't know yet, including what is to come (death and resurrection), still they have faith and obey their Lord. Jesus prays for these who have accepted Him, not for the world who have rejected Him, because He knows they need God's protection. Jesus will soon leave, but these, His disciples, must stay in the world.
Application: These words should be an encouragement to believers today. Even without knowing what was to come, these disciples put their faith in Jesus because they realized He was the Christ, and that was all they needed to know at that moment. Because of their faith Jesus accepted them as His own, given to Him by His Father. We too are given to Christ by our Heavenly Father when we accept Him as our personal Savior, recognizing Jesus as the Only way to the Father, sent by the Father and One with the Father. We don't need to know everything to be accepted, just this basic truth. Jesus continues to reveal Himself once we take that first step.
Prayer: Father, it is wonderful to know Jesus, and to know You have given us a Savior who prayed for His disciples. It's a gift to us! The greatest moment of my life has been recognizing Jesus as the Truth, and the Only way to You. I know my life doesn't always reflect that knowledge because I let the day-to-day distractions get to me, but I do know one thing for certain: Jesus is Alive, He died for me, and He is the Only way to salvation. As long as I keep focused on that truth, I will always find my way to You. Thank You for Jesus. It is in my Savior's Mighty Name I pray, Amen.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
John 17, Part 1
Scripture: John 17:1-5
Observation: John 17 is Jesus' prayer before being taken away to be crucified. The first part of His prayer is a petition that the Father be glorified and that He also be glorified. This glory will be revealed in Jesus' death, which is the ultimate love, laying down His life. By this glorification the Son now has authority over all people to give eternal life. Eternal life to the Jewish population meant life in the age to come, through a restored relationship with God. Jesus is telling them that relationship is possible by knowing the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It's not about just knowledge of God but also faith in Jesus Christ that this promise is given. Jesus then asks to return to the glory He had before the world even existed, now that His work (ministry) is complete.
Application: Even in this prayer Jesus is teaching something important. The way to eternal life is by knowing God and Christ. The Father sent the Son to reveal Himself and His love. We come to know God through Jesus. But just knowing isn't enough. We must believe. Knowledge without faith is useless. It's empty, hollow. We must believe that Christ is the One sent of God, that He is God, and only through Him can we receive forgiveness of our sins, and salvation.
Prayer: Father, You have been glorified by the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your Word gives me the basis to believe, but I also know in my heart that You sent Your Son to die for my sins. May my life reflect that faith. If it doesn't, it isn't true faith. I don't want to simply render lip service to You. I want to be a walking advertisement of a life dedicated to following You, the Only True God. Shine Your light through me, Lord. I want to shine for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Observation: John 17 is Jesus' prayer before being taken away to be crucified. The first part of His prayer is a petition that the Father be glorified and that He also be glorified. This glory will be revealed in Jesus' death, which is the ultimate love, laying down His life. By this glorification the Son now has authority over all people to give eternal life. Eternal life to the Jewish population meant life in the age to come, through a restored relationship with God. Jesus is telling them that relationship is possible by knowing the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. It's not about just knowledge of God but also faith in Jesus Christ that this promise is given. Jesus then asks to return to the glory He had before the world even existed, now that His work (ministry) is complete.
Application: Even in this prayer Jesus is teaching something important. The way to eternal life is by knowing God and Christ. The Father sent the Son to reveal Himself and His love. We come to know God through Jesus. But just knowing isn't enough. We must believe. Knowledge without faith is useless. It's empty, hollow. We must believe that Christ is the One sent of God, that He is God, and only through Him can we receive forgiveness of our sins, and salvation.
Prayer: Father, You have been glorified by the life of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your Word gives me the basis to believe, but I also know in my heart that You sent Your Son to die for my sins. May my life reflect that faith. If it doesn't, it isn't true faith. I don't want to simply render lip service to You. I want to be a walking advertisement of a life dedicated to following You, the Only True God. Shine Your light through me, Lord. I want to shine for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Monday, May 2, 2011
John 16, Part 5
Scripture: John 16:29-33
Observation: Jesus' disciples now affirm their faith (v.29-30). They believe He has come from God, and they think they fully understand Him. But there's more to come that they aren't aware of. Their faith will be further tested in the coming days, and they will scatter, leaving Him (v.32). Still, Jesus doesn't end on a negative note. He tells them there will be troubles, trials, persecution, but also gives them hope, as He Himself has overcome the world.
Application: Plenty of times I think I understand the Lord and what He's doing, only to be amazed at what He continues to reveal to me. The disciples thought they had Jesus all figured out, but the greatest miracle was yet to come. Jesus did give them one comforting word, that He was giving them His peace. Even in the darkest hours, even during the most confusing times, we can be assured of Christ's peace and that He has overcome the world.
Prayer: Father, I don't know everything. I don't even fully know the things I think I know! I know that You are Almighty God, but my brain cannot fathom all You have planned for me. I pray that I will bend to Your will in complete trust, knowing one thing for certain: You are faithful and trustworthy. You are with me wherever I go, and You have overcome death. I have nothing to fear. Thank You Lord, for Your presence in my life and for Your peace. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Observation: Jesus' disciples now affirm their faith (v.29-30). They believe He has come from God, and they think they fully understand Him. But there's more to come that they aren't aware of. Their faith will be further tested in the coming days, and they will scatter, leaving Him (v.32). Still, Jesus doesn't end on a negative note. He tells them there will be troubles, trials, persecution, but also gives them hope, as He Himself has overcome the world.
Application: Plenty of times I think I understand the Lord and what He's doing, only to be amazed at what He continues to reveal to me. The disciples thought they had Jesus all figured out, but the greatest miracle was yet to come. Jesus did give them one comforting word, that He was giving them His peace. Even in the darkest hours, even during the most confusing times, we can be assured of Christ's peace and that He has overcome the world.
Prayer: Father, I don't know everything. I don't even fully know the things I think I know! I know that You are Almighty God, but my brain cannot fathom all You have planned for me. I pray that I will bend to Your will in complete trust, knowing one thing for certain: You are faithful and trustworthy. You are with me wherever I go, and You have overcome death. I have nothing to fear. Thank You Lord, for Your presence in my life and for Your peace. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
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