Daily Devotion

The Romans didn’t like the Jews, and the feeling was mutual. Past rebellions had increased the tension, so when crowds started to follow Jesus, the religious leaders worried that the Romans might see this as an opportunity to punish them. That’s why Caiaphas said earlier in Jesus’ ministry that it would be better for one man to die “for the people, not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:49-50). He believed that killing an “insurrectionist” would show loyalty to the Roman government. 

Today, we follow Jesus as events unfold just hours before he is crucified. Let me reiterate what I’ve said before: Jesus was not a victim of circumstances. His death was not caused by religious leaders feeling threatened or because the crowds turned against him. Jesus was on a mission to become the sin-bearer and pay the penalty in full for our sins. John reminds us, in the account of the crucifixion, that Jesus knew “all that would happen to him” (John 18:4).

WEEKEND RECHARGE!
God’s Story in Our Savior

WEEKEND RECHARGE!
God’s Story in Our Savior

John 13-17 is a powerful section of Scripture. These chapters include content unique to John’s Gospel. As we read this part of the Bible, it feels like we’re sitting in the Upper Room where Jesus specifically interacted with his disciples just before heading to the cross. 

In John 13-17, we witness a special moment of interaction in the shadow of the cross. Jesus and his disciples share the Passover meal, during which he takes on the role of a servant and washes their feet. Meanwhile, Judas is on his way to betray Jesus, and there is rich teaching about what is coming and what to expect. 

In today’s passage, Jesus compares his journey through the cross and into the Father’s arms to the process of birth and the joy on the other side. Let’s walk through these verses. 

I've been a Christian for many years, and yet there’s still one thing I can’t quite grasp. Well, many things are hard to grasp, but today I’ll focus on one—God, the Holy One who is omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent, lives inside me and interacts with me. That blows my mind! 

The setting of today’s passage is in the shadow of the cross. In just a few hours, Jesus will be arrested, beaten, mocked, and crucified. Although Jesus doesn't go into detail here, he tells his disciples that he will be leaving and that they cannot follow him. The disciples are still riding the emotional high from the triumphal entry, which makes it difficult for them to fully understand the gravity and significance of Jesus’ message.