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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). I praise you today as the God who desires to have a personal relationship with me! Through the atoning blood of your precious Son, you have provided a way for me to be in a right relationship with you. I praise you today and exalt the name of Christ! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Jesus’ farewell discourse to the eleven disciples and his final prayer for them. The disciples were struggling to reconcile Jesus’ talk of betrayal, death and departure with their expectation that he would soon restore the kingdom. What did it all mean? Jesus, knowing their confusion, told them, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1). Jesus wanted his disciples to trust him in spite of their doubt and uncertainty, and I know you want me to do the same. Jesus then affirmed some of the most vital truths of the gospel. First, he declared himself to be: “The way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This means that there are not many paths to you—there is only one way, Jesus Christ. Next, he claimed equality with you: “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” This means that Jesus is God-of-very-God, as well as man-of-very-man. He is the God-man, the exegete of the Father, the One who reveals and expounds all that you are to the world. When I read of Jesus in the NT, I am reading of you, for Jesus’ life was a revelation of all that you are. When I read of you in the OT, I am reading of Jesus, for he was in you from the beginning. Last, Jesus explained that it was better for him to leave so that the Holy Spirit could come and take over the role of “helper” to the disciples (John 14:16; 16:7). This means that your Spirit helps me to be a disciple of Christ. In this way, though he is not here in body, Jesus is with me every day through the Spirit! Jesus went on to tell his disciples that their spiritual union with him could be compared to branches in a vine. As long as they would abide in him, they would be able to bear fruit, for apart from him they could do nothing. The same is true for me, and I must be careful to abide in you each day. How can I do this? By keeping your commandments, for Jesus said, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love” (John 15:10). Obedience is the key to a fruitful life in Christ. If I refuse to obey, I do not love you, for Jesus also said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). The life of a disciple is one of daily obedience to the leadership of the Spirit, for as I yield to the Spirit’s desires, I obey the will of Christ. Reflection Jesus said that every branch that does not bear fruit is taken away and burned in the fire (John 15:6). This means that while no man can snatch me out of your hand, you may yourself remove me from the vine of Christ! Am I bearing fruit by abiding in Christ? Am I loving you by keeping your commands? Am I abiding in your Word by obeying it? Request Father, I pray with Jesus that you would keep me in your name. Make me one with you through your Son, that I may also be one with all who are in you. Sanctify me with the truth of your Word and keep me from the evil one, that I might always serve you in sincerity and love. Thanksgiving Thank you for the peace that you give to my heart (John 14:27). I know that in this world I will have tribulation, but I rejoice in knowing that you have overcome the world! (John 16:33). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Let Us Be One” – Charles W. Naylor. Meditation Verse: John 17:23. |