What Jesus Did! 'So You Won't Abandon Your Faith!' — John 16:1-4

Thursday, October 13, 2022

[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."

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

  • Luke 12:8-12
  • 2 Timothy 3:10-12
  • John 15:21

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of John 16:1-4 NLT — "I have told you these things so that you won't abandon your faith.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, October 13, 2022

A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"O Israel, praise the Lord! O ... praise the Lord! O ... praise the Lord! All you who fear the Lord, praise the Lord! The Lord be praised ... Praise..."
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was...."
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"When the prophet Elijah had received the answer to his prayer, and the fire from heaven had consumed the sacrifice in the presence of all the people,...."
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
"As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

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.