Bible Pathways - Nov. 6, 2006
In Today's Reading:
Jesus washes the disciples' feet; Jesus foretells His betrayal, death, and second coming; Holy Spirit promised
E leven of the apostles were convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Along with the multitudes, they too had joined in shouting: Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel (John 12:13). But, Jesus had earlier said that He must suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed (Matthew 16:21). Now, as they celebrated the Passover, the disciples were "perplexed because Jesus had said He was leaving them (John 13:33) and troubled that He had said that one of their own number would betray Him (13:21-22).
Some of the most comforting words of Jesus were spoken at the very moment that the religious leaders were planning how to kill Him and He knew it. With the utmost calm He said: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. . . . I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. . . . Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (14:1-3,27).
The picture is much clearer to us 2,000 years later, as we read the full story. However, like the disciples, occasionally, each of us is faced with fears of what tomorrow may bring. When we are facing financial loss, divorce, disease, handicaps, or other "things" that happen to those who love the Lord, we need to remember that the Lord knows how to take care of our tomorrows We too can have the utmost confidence in our Lord's comforting words: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me (14:1). We must choose whether we will or will not allow our hearts to be troubled. Every disappointment offers an opportunity to overcome stress, fear, and depression, and to develop patience and faith in Him.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial (painful ordeal) which is to try (test) you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers (sharers) of Christ's sufferings (I Peter 4:12-13).
Word Studies:
13:10 but not all = all were clean except Judas; 15:2 purgeth it = prunes it, cuts it back in order to bear more fruit.
Cross References:
For John 13:18: See Psalm 41:9. John 15:25: See Psalm 35:19; 69:4.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of John & Elza Gibbs · Staff: Beth Carlton Government Official: Rep. John Carter (TX) Country: Slovakia (5 million) central Europe Major languages: Slovak and Hungarian Religious freedom 60% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 4% Orthodox Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to teach you His ways (Psalm 27:11).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:21
