John

Check out all the previous John readings here.

John Reading Plan | Week 11, Day 5

Prayer

As you draw near to spend time with Jesus, quiet your mind and body until you feel completely present. Express your gratitude to Jesus for coming to save you!

Bible Reading: John 16:25-33

Read these verses three times slowly.

“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”

“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Reflection & Questions

There is so much going on in these last verses of John 16. These are some of Jesus’ last words to the disciples before He is crucified. They are words of touching love, steely courage and tragic prophecy.

He tells them that they are tragically going to be “scattered…. You will leave me alone.” How crushing to hear their beloved master tell them that! That they will abandon Jesus and leave Him alone. And we see this play out as Jesus is arrested and hung on a cross.

Even still, knowing that, Jesus tells them how much the Father loves them. This is truly a remarkable love. A love that can withstand abandonment. How deep the Father loves them (and us).

Finally, Jesus tells them “in this world you will have troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” These are words to put steel in their spine and peace in their hearts.

These are words for us, too. Though our hearts are prone to wander away from God, the Father loves us deeply, and we can have peace in Jesus even in the midst of the worst the world can throw at us, because Jesus has overcome this world!

1. What words or phrases from these verses encourage you today? Why?
2. What does Jesus mean when he says, “Take heart!” How can you “take heart” today?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to the reading today.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?