Scripture to Read: John 16:31-33
Jesus responded to the disciples' claim that now they felt like they fully understood. Jesus said in John 16:31-33, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Jesus knew their intentions were in the right place and they truly wanted to make Jesus feel better about their loyalty to Him and God the Father. But Jesus knew that the fiery trial they were about to walk into would scatter them quickly. The disciples thought they were encouraging Jesus by what they said, but then Jesus let them know that they would leave Him to seek to save their own lives. But Jesus also reassured them that He would not be alone but that the Father was with Him. It’s hard to imagine what the disciples thought as Jesus told them they would desert Him. But as our Lord spoke, He also encouraged them that the peace they would need would only be found in Him. The same is true today for us. The peace we need for the trials we face is only found in Christ our Lord. We must daily fellowship with God the Father through Christ and rest and trust Him in every circumstance of life.
Challenge & Application
• How do you handle life's tests and trials, and what does it mean to rest and trust in Christ?
• How can you help others facing trials in this life know that Christ is their peace?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!