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

Thursday, October 20, 2022

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.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

Spurgeon AM Devo for Mar. 21st
Devo: Morning & Evening
"Few had fellowship with the sorrows of Gethsemane. The majority of the disciples were not sufficiently advanced in grace to be admitted to behold the...."
Cruciformed #6: The Gamble
Article by Phil Ware
As Jesus journeyed into Jerusalem that last time, he had reached the point where he was going to gamble everything on the cross. Phil Ware continues his series of insights on living the CRUCIFORMED life Jesus calls all disciples to live on his way to the cross.
Ever Been Misunderstood?
Article by Rubel Shelly
Have you ever felt like no one understood? So often, we don't feel like anyone understands us ... except Jesus.
Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Article by Phil Ware
Will he be there when I most need him? Phil Ware continues his series on the 7 sayings of Jesus on the cross, this one focuses on Jesus' cry of feeling that he had been forsaken by God.
See All 8 Related Resources about John 16:31-32

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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, October 20, 2022

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Held Together in Christ' (Co. 1:15-20)
"Dear Father, We have not seen you. We do not even know what it might mean to see you. But you have shown us Jesus, and because we have seen him, we....."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Glory!'
"Dear Child of God, Glory? Glorious? "Gloria in Excelsis Deo"? It was not too glorious if you look at the place where My birth happened! I was placed..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Confirmation' (1 Jn. 5:6)
"And Jesus Christ was revealed as God's Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross — not by water only, but by water and blood. And..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Compassion and Mercy' (Ps. 86:15-16)
"But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. Look down and have mercy on me...."

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.

More What Jesus Did!