What Jesus Did! 'The Great Circle of Grace' — John 16:28-30

Friday, October 19, 2018

[Jesus said,] "Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father." Then his disciples said, "At last you are speaking plainly and not figuratively. Now we understand that you know everything, and there's no need to question you. From this we believe that you came from God."
— John 16:28-30 NLT
Illustration of John 16:28-30 NLT — "Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and now I will leave the world and return to the Father."

Key Thought

The story of Jesus is the great circle of grace. He began with the Father in heaven before time. He created all that there is and yet chose to come to his created world and live on earth among us and as one of us. He allowed himself to be crucified in humiliation and shame by people like us. Then, God raised him from the dead and restored him to his place in glory. Jesus poured out the Holy Spirit and brought us salvation. We live with the promise that he has prepared us a place with him in heaven. It is the great circle of grace, brought to us by the love and sacrifice of Jesus.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, dear God, for the great circle of your grace — the sending of Jesus from heaven to bring me home to you. Thank you, Jesus, for making such a journey and sharing such a burden. Please accept my life as an offering of thanks and praise for your grace and mercy. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 1:1-3, 10-18
  • Philippians 2:5-11
  • 1 Peter 3:18

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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.

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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