[Jesus continued,] "I have told you these things so that you won't abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I'm telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning. I didn't tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer."
—John 16:1-4 NLT
Jesus doesn't pull any punches with his disciples. What happens to the Master will also likely happen to many of his disciples. They will need to know that Jesus had warned them so they won't be overly discouraged when it does happen. Amazingly, Jesus' concern in the face of his own death is his disciples' preparation for facing similar struggles. Jesus wants them to know that they are not alone and what they will face is something to be expected. Jesus warns them about it before he returns home to heaven.
Father, please bless those who are being persecuted and mistreated because of their faith. Give them the courage to stand up to the onslaught and mistreatment. Be present with them through your Spirit; not only guide their words but please also give them strength. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—John 16:1-4 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus doesn't pull any punches with his disciples. What happens to the Master will also likely happen to many of his disciples. They will need to know that Jesus had warned them so they won't be overly discouraged when it does happen. Amazingly, Jesus' concern in the face of his own death is his disciples' preparation for facing similar struggles. Jesus wants them to know that they are not alone and what they will face is something to be expected. Jesus warns them about it before he returns home to heaven.
Today's Prayer
Father, please bless those who are being persecuted and mistreated because of their faith. Give them the courage to stand up to the onslaught and mistreatment. Be present with them through your Spirit; not only guide their words but please also give them strength. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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