November 5 - John 16-18
This passage speaks a lot about preparation. Jesus is concerned that His disciples be prepared for His death and resurrection, since He would be leaving them soon. He is also preparing for the Cross, Himself. It all shows the heart of Jesus for us. I wonder if we think about preparation as much as we should.
As you read chapter 16 notice how Jesus begins with a statement about the disciples being killed. He knew they would die as martyrs, except for John. He wanted them to be ready. His solution was to send the Holy Spirit, the Helper and the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit is all they would need to empower them and to show them the way. However, He reminded them about prayer, too. Any time they needed anything from the Father, they could pray in His name. On top of that He would give them peace. How much more could He have given them? I believe Jesus covered all of the bases. He had overcome the world, and He was preparing them to do the same. (v.33)
Chapter 17 is the prayer of Jesus. The theme is unity, but the concern is preparation of the disciples. This extends to all future disciples. If they can be in close relationship with the Father and the Son, they would be fine, and the world would see a big difference in them. They will have truth to go by, which is the word of God. I believe Jesus knows that as He sends them out, He has done all that is needed to prepare them if they will trust Him and stay close to Him.
In chapter 18 the trial of the Cross begins for Jesus and the disciples. In reality it goes pretty smoothly, because of the preparations. Yes, the disciples are scattered, and Peter denies Jesus three times, but Jesus knew all of that would happen. He was prepared for that, and He knew that they would respond when He rose from the dead. He knew that all was ready to move forward, after He had finished His work. He was ready to fulfill His purpose for coming into the world. (v.37) He was ready to send them out into the world to bear witness of Him.
Do you realize that you and I have all we need to serve the Lord in power and in peace. It all comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit and our daily relationship with Christ through His word and prayer. I pray that you are taking advantage of all that Christ has provided for your life. That is the only way to victory in this world.
Tomorrow, I intend to read John 19-21.
As you read chapter 16 notice how Jesus begins with a statement about the disciples being killed. He knew they would die as martyrs, except for John. He wanted them to be ready. His solution was to send the Holy Spirit, the Helper and the Spirit of Truth. The Spirit is all they would need to empower them and to show them the way. However, He reminded them about prayer, too. Any time they needed anything from the Father, they could pray in His name. On top of that He would give them peace. How much more could He have given them? I believe Jesus covered all of the bases. He had overcome the world, and He was preparing them to do the same. (v.33)
Chapter 17 is the prayer of Jesus. The theme is unity, but the concern is preparation of the disciples. This extends to all future disciples. If they can be in close relationship with the Father and the Son, they would be fine, and the world would see a big difference in them. They will have truth to go by, which is the word of God. I believe Jesus knows that as He sends them out, He has done all that is needed to prepare them if they will trust Him and stay close to Him.
In chapter 18 the trial of the Cross begins for Jesus and the disciples. In reality it goes pretty smoothly, because of the preparations. Yes, the disciples are scattered, and Peter denies Jesus three times, but Jesus knew all of that would happen. He was prepared for that, and He knew that they would respond when He rose from the dead. He knew that all was ready to move forward, after He had finished His work. He was ready to fulfill His purpose for coming into the world. (v.37) He was ready to send them out into the world to bear witness of Him.
Do you realize that you and I have all we need to serve the Lord in power and in peace. It all comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit and our daily relationship with Christ through His word and prayer. I pray that you are taking advantage of all that Christ has provided for your life. That is the only way to victory in this world.
Tomorrow, I intend to read John 19-21.