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Bible pathway - Nov. 7, 2010


Read John 13

Highlights:

The defiled cannot enter the Kingdom of God, BUT Jesus can and will cleanse them (John 13:4-17). Are we guilty of betrayal or denial. (13:18-38)? The Comforter promised (14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7-15). New relationship (14:20-21;15:12-21) described (15:1-11). Jesus overcomes sorrow and trials with joy and peace (16:16-33).

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 (Matt. 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. Along with the disciples, 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 make the choice whether we will or will not allow "our hearts to be troubled." With every disappointment the Lord provides an opportunity to overcome stress, fear, and depression, and instead, 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 Pet. 4:12-13).

Thought for Today:

But let all those that put their trust in Thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because Thou defendest them: let them also that love Thy Name be joyful in Thee (Ps. 5-11).

Word Studies:

13:10 but not all, but not every one; all were clean except Judas; 15:2 purgeth it, eliminates what is keeping it from bearing better fruit.

Cross References:

For John 13:18: See Ps. 41:9. John 15:25: See Ps. 35:19; 69:4.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Sec. Arne Duncan (Dept. of Education) and Rep. John Carter (TX) • Country: Grenada (97,000) southernmost of the Windward Islands • Major language: English • Religious freedom • 61% Roman Catholic; 31% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding as you read the Word of God (Ps. 119:73).

Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33