Bible Pathways 11/6/2003
November 6
Read John 13 -- 16
In Today's Reading:
Jesus washes the disciples' feet; Jesus foretells His betrayal, His death and second coming; Holy Spirit promised
Eleven 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). At that moment, the disciples were "fearful because Jesus had said He was leaving them.The apostles were also troubled that He had said that one of their own number would betray Him (John 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: you believe in God, believe also in Me. . . . I go to prepare a place for you. . . . I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. . . . Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you: not as the world gives, give I to 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: you 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 to you: But rejoice, inasmuch as you 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, cuts it back.
Cross References:
For John 13:18: See Psalm 41:9. John 15:25: See Psalm 35:19; 69:4.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Rick Hash · Pray for Universal Printing, printers of Bible Pathway in the U.S. · for the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Velena C. Malone · Government Official: Rep. John Carter (TX) · Country: Bulgaria (9 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Bulgarian and ethnic languages · Newly opened to evangelism · 62% Eastern Orthodox; 10% Muslim; 1% Roman Catholic; less than 1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Kneel in a humble spirit of reverence as you pray to the Lord (I Kings 8:54).
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 5:16
