What Jesus Did! 'You Will Scatter, But I Am Not Abandoned!' — John 16:31-32

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Jesus asked [his disciples], "Do you finally believe? But the time is coming — indeed it's here now — when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me."
— John 16:31-32 NLT

Key Thought

The disciples think they believe. [1] They think they are courageous and loyal. Yet they will all scatter and leave Jesus alone. [2] He will face the horrors of the cross by himself. Yes, the Father will go with him. But on the cross, Jesus will even feel abandoned by the Father [3] as he bears the weight of the world's sin alone, forsaken, mocked, ridiculed and tortured. And why did he do it? He did it to save you. He did it to save me. He did it to save the lost world. So how can we keep from sharing such costly grace with those who do not know it?

[1] John 16:30.
[2] Mark 14:49-50.
[3] Mark 15:34.

Today's Prayer

Give us, your people, your church, the courage to proclaim your grace in ways that clearly communicate it. The unspeakable horrors of Jesus' betrayal night and crucifixion day humble us, dear Father, that you and he would love us so. Lead us to redemptively love others who do not know this grace as their own. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 16:31-32 NLT — But the time is coming — indeed it's here now — when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone.

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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 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.

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