Saturday, March 24

Pep Talk

Narrative Lectionary Daily Devotions written by Kace Leetch from Clergy Stuff.

The disciples are facing something they never have before -- life without their teacher. Sure, they had lives before Jesus. But they were not the same people they were back then. They were utterly changed by living, learning, and walking in the footsteps of Jesus. How could they face this newer, wiser life without the one who shaped them so profoundly these three years?

Jesus knew it would be a struggle. But he didn't leave them on a note of profound sadness or despair. He gave them a mighty pep talk. "But take courage; I have conquered the world!" In all the pep talks ever given, could one ever be as true or as powerful as this one? I doubt it. Despite the struggles they were about to face, they were encouraged to be courageous. Jesus was about to conquer the world.

Narrative Lectionary Text: John 16:25-33

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

"I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”