What Jesus Did! 'Our Source of Joy!' — John 17:13

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

[Jesus continued his prayer:] "Now I am coming to you. I told [my disciples] many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy."
— John 17:13 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus is our source of joy! The apostle Paul said it this way, "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon." [1] From his birth to his resurrection and to his coming again to take us home, the Lord is our source of joy. He has shown us God's great love for us. He has taught us how to live victoriously in a hostile world. He will never forsake us or leave us. [2] He has ensured that death cannot sever us from his love. He has promised that he will return and bring us home with him. [3] Jesus is our source of joy. Like the prophet Nehemiah reminded us so long ago, "The joy of the Lord is your strength!" [4]

[1] Philippians 4:4-5.
[2] Romans 8:38-39.
[3] John 14:2-3.
[4] Nehemiah 8:10b.

Today's Prayer

Father God, sovereign master of all creation, thank you for giving me the one true source of joy that cannot be extinguished or exhausted. Your gift of Jesus has brought me hope, salvation, and JOY! Please receive my undying gratitude for a reason to rejoice even in this earthly life's most painful moments. I pray in the name of Jesus, my source of joy. Amen.

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Illustration of John 17:13 NLT — [Jesus continued his prayer:] "Now I am coming to you. I told [my disciples] many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy."

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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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