Day #23

Read

This is no ordinary day. Today you will be reading John's account of the single most important event in human history. Do not merely read John 17-21; experience it. Be a sparrow sitting in a tree as you witness the trial, crucifixion, burial and resurrection of your Lord. Place yourself there and let the realization of what is happening sink in.

Reflect

Our Lord prayed about personal issues in John 17:1-5. Then He prayed for the apostles in John 17:6-19. Finally, He prayed for us in John 17:20-26 ("for those also who believe in Me through their word"). Jesus had people He needed to pray for. You do too. In your notes make a list of people you need to pray for. Anyone who has come forward during the invitation should be on that list and all new Christians. Add the non-Christians who are being studied with and those you have been inviting to church. Include the elders and other church leaders. Now pray through your list. Please pray for them every day for the next seven days.

"Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these" (John 21:15)? Simon Peter had been through a great humiliation when he denied Jesus three times. He thought he was ready to stand for Jesus no matter what the cost, but he fell flat on his face the first time he was challenged.

"Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." (John 21:15). It is true that our Lord knows whether we love Him or not. He can tell whether our hearts are purely devoted to Him. Christ knows your heart. Do you truly love Him? Then feed his sheep.