John 13:31-35 (NRSV)
Read John 13:31-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. Verse 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Verse 33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, 'Where I am going, you cannot come.' Verse 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. Verse 35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Devotion
Three years can be a long time. Three years can also seem very short. Jesus and his disciples were nearly inseparable for just three years. And now, they hear, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” Imagine their sadness, imagine their fear. Their leader was leaving them. They had relied on Jesus for nearly everything. Would they be able to carry on? Not on their own. But the promised gift of the Holy Spirit would soon be upon them…
Prayer
Gracious God, help me to see that without you I am powerless. Help me to rely on your presence and strength as I go about my daily life. Show me ways you can use me to bring Jesus to others and make me willing to do so. Renew me in your Spirit each day. Amen.