Scripture to Read: John 14:18
Jesus did not want His disciples to feel hopeless as they would watch Him being led to the cross. Jesus knew this would be an incredibly difficult time for all eleven of them. Jesus reassured them that He would not leave them as orphans. Jesus said in John 14:18, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” Jesus knew they would feel like orphans as He died on the cross. Jesus knew they would question whether He could truly defeat death. Though He told them He would, the disciples would face fear and doubt. So, to tell them they would not be left as orphans was incredibly intentional by our Lord. Charles Spurgeon laid out several ways that Jesus’ followers are not like orphans: An orphan has parents who have died, but the Holy Spirit reveals to us Jesus is alive (1 Corinthians 2:9–11, Ephesians 3:4–5). An orphan is left alone, but the Holy Spirit lives within us and seals us as one of God’s children (Ephesians 1:13–14, Ephesians 4:30). An orphan has lost their provider, but the Holy Spirit provides all things (Philippians 4:19). An orphan is left without instruction, but the Holy Spirit teaches us all things (1 John 2:27). An orphan has no defender, but the Holy Spirit is our Protector (2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Peter 1:3–5). Jesus made sure He planted these words with the disciples, for though they would struggle during His three days in the grave, they would know the reality of this truth after His resurrection.
Challenge & Application
• From God’s Word, we know all we have in Christ and His Spirit, but what about the Holy Spirit comforts you most and why?
• From what you read in today’s devotion, what sticks out to you and why?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!