Scripture to Read: John 16:1–4
Jesus knew the time of His arrest was drawing near, so He continued to share with the disciples to prepare them for what was coming. Jesus said in John 16:1–4, “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. 2 They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. 3 These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. 4 But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.” Jesus did not want His disciples to stumble and fall, so He shared with them what they needed. Jesus does the same thing with us every day through His Holy Spirit living in us and through His Holy Word. He gives us everything we need to keep us from stumbling. God even used Peter to write this in 2 Peter 1:10, "Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble." The things God wants us to apply and live out daily are shared in 2 Peter 1:5–7. Just as Jesus prepared the disciples for the persecution they would face, our Lord prepares us daily to live fully for Him no matter the test, trial, or temptation.
Challenge & Application
• What did Jesus do for His disciples and also do for us daily so that we do not stumble?
• How are you living each day and applying God’s Truth so that you don’t stumble?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!