Going Deeper
Scripture – John 10:17-21: The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” At these words the Jews were again divided. Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?” But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There is a powerful spiritual truth here. Jesus chose to die on the cross so we can have eternal life. He did not have to do that. Speaking of His life He says, “I lay it down of my own accord.” Going to the cross was a voluntary action. It’s so easy for me to overlook the power of what He did. Personally, I’ve grown up with the story of the cross and resurrection. In some ways, I take them for granted. Of course, this is what Jesus did for me and for all people. And I am thankful. The essence of being His disciple today, however, is that I follow Him in that – that I willingly take on an unpleasant task on His behalf. What is my cross? Will I take it up or avoid it?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will let my commitment to Christ disrupt my life. I will look for at least one thing He’s calling me to do – one thing I’d rather avoid. I will embrace it and do it on His behalf.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you held nothing back for me. Because you gave up your life, I have life today and hope today. Forgive me, please, for focusing so much on my own comfort zones. Teach me to follow you wherever you lead.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Bethel Baptist (Trenton & Venness in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) There is a powerful spiritual truth here. Jesus chose to die on the cross so we can have eternal life. He did not have to do that. Speaking of His life He says, “I lay it down of my own accord.” Going to the cross was a voluntary action. It’s so easy for me to overlook the power of what He did. Personally, I’ve grown up with the story of the cross and resurrection. In some ways, I take them for granted. Of course, this is what Jesus did for me and for all people. And I am thankful. The essence of being His disciple today, however, is that I follow Him in that – that I willingly take on an unpleasant task on His behalf. What is my cross? Will I take it up or avoid it?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will let my commitment to Christ disrupt my life. I will look for at least one thing He’s calling me to do – one thing I’d rather avoid. I will embrace it and do it on His behalf.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you held nothing back for me. Because you gave up your life, I have life today and hope today. Forgive me, please, for focusing so much on my own comfort zones. Teach me to follow you wherever you lead.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Bethel Baptist (Trenton & Venness in Southgate) this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am.
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