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

Friday, October 19, 2018

"I came from the Father into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father." Then the followers of Jesus said, "You are speaking clearly to us now. You are not using words that are hard to understand. We can see now that you know all things. You can answer a person's question even before he asks it. This makes us believe that you came from God."
— John 16:28-30 NLT
Illustration of John 16:28-30 NLT — "I came from the Father into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back 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 on earth and live among us as one of us. He let us crucify him in humiliation and shame. Yet God raised him from the dead and restored him to heaven. 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 one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows 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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