Friday Devo
Scripture:
John 16:31-33
31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
31 Jesus asked, “Do you finally believe? 32 But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
Commentary:
16:32 Jesus’ prediction of a coming hour at which each of his followers will be scattered, each to his own home (cf. 19:27) probably alludes to Zech. 13:7 (quoted in Matt. 26:31 par.; cf. Matt. 26:56b). The shepherd will be deserted by his sheep.
16:33 On peace, see note on 14:27. In the midst of the suffering and hardship that was to come, Jesus’ disciples, and all following them, can have such “peace” in fellowship with Christ. Fittingly, Jesus’ Farewell Discourse (13:31–16:33) ends on a note of triumph (cf. 1 John 2:13–14; 4:4; 5:4–5).
16:33 On peace, see note on 14:27. In the midst of the suffering and hardship that was to come, Jesus’ disciples, and all following them, can have such “peace” in fellowship with Christ. Fittingly, Jesus’ Farewell Discourse (13:31–16:33) ends on a note of triumph (cf. 1 John 2:13–14; 4:4; 5:4–5).
Questions:
- Matt ended on Sunday letting us know that God will always provide for his ASSIGNMENT. The Bible never promises God will keep us safe. In fact, his plan might very well mean the opposite of safety. This is why we need to do everything we can to ensure our faith is strong and grounded in truth. Do you have a faith that can withstand persecution that threatens your safety? If not, how do you go about building it?
- We need to be growing in our faith in God and knowledge of his Word. Matt left us with this quote from Warren Wiersbe: “The Christian life is not a parking lot; it is a launching pad! It is not enough just to be born again; we must also grow spiritually and make progress in our walk.” How would you rate YOUR spiritual growth in the past year? What are you doing, besides attending church, to ensure that you continue growing?
Prayer Topics:
- That you would do what it takes to develop an unshakable faith.
- That you would do what it takes to grow in your faith.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
1. Who is Jesus? I believe Jesus is God because Jesus said He is God and proved it by rising from the dead and appearing to His disciples, His brother James, 500 others at one time and Paul.
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
(Mark 3:21; John 8:58, 10:30-33, 14:9-11; Acts 9:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:2-3; James 1:1)
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