Bible Pathways - November 6, 2005

November 6

Read John 13

In Today's Reading:

Jesus washes His disciples' feet; Jesus foretells His betrayal, His death and second coming; Holy Spirit promised

Eleven of the 12 apostles were convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Along with the multitude, they too had joined in shouting the Messianic greeting: Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the Name of the Lord (John 12:13; compare Psalm 118:25-26; Matthew 23:39). But, Jesus had earlier announced His coming rejection and death when He said that He must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed (16:21). Later, the apostles were fearful because Jesus said He was leaving them and they 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: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. . . . I go to prepare a place for you. And . . . 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 uncertainties 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, with the utmost confidence, should seek to obey our Lord's comforting command: Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me (14:1).

We must choose whether or not we will allow our hearts to be troubled. Every disappointment offers an opportunity to overcome stress, fear, and depression, to develop patience, and to increase our faith in God.

The Apostle Peter assures us: 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; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (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 15:5: See Hosea 14:8. John 15:25: See Psalm 35:19; 69:4.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Henry Rogers · Government Official: Rep. John Carter (TX) · Country: Tonga (109,000) in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: Tongan and English · Religious freedom · 55% Protestant; 22% Mormon; 14% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord; He is your refuge (Psalm 15:1-4).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:22