Pastor Stephen Dedman

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”
‭‭John‬ ‭18‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
What situation in your life right now requires you to trust God and step forward in faith instead of stepping back in fear?

Context
Jesus knew everything that was about to happen the night before He went to the cross. He knew the betrayal, denial, suffering, the mock trials, the beating, and ultimately the cross that awaited Him. Yet instead of hiding or retreating, Jesus stepped forward.

Jesus was not a helpless victim. He was willingly submitting to the Father’s plan.

Application
Life often brings moments where we feel overwhelmed by uncertainty or difficulty. Our natural reaction is to step back, protect ourselves, or avoid the challenge completely.

But Jesus demonstrates a different response. Because He trusted the Father completely, He stepped forward even into suffering.

For believers, this reminds us that courage does not come from controlling circumstances, it comes from trusting God. When we know the Lord is guiding our lives, we can move forward in faith, even when the future feels uncertain.

Truth For The Day
Because Jesus stepped forward to face the cross, we can step forward in faith knowing our lives are secure in Him.

Pray
Lord, thank You for Your courage and love. Thank You for willingly stepping forward to accomplish our salvation. When fear or uncertainty causes me to hesitate, remind me that You are in control. Give me the faith to trust You and the courage to walk forward in obedience today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭26‬ ‭NKJV‬

Question
How would your daily life change if you fully embraced the depth of God’s love for you?

Context
Jesus concludes His High Priestly prayer just before His arrest and crucifixion. Throughout His ministry, Jesus revealed the character and nature of God the Father to His disciples. By declaring the Father’s name, Jesus made God known to them. His desire was not only that they would understand who God is, but that they would experience the same love the Father has for the Son.

Application
One of the greatest truths of the Christian life is that the love of God is not distant or reserved, it is given to those who belong to Christ. Through Jesus, believers are invited into a relationship with God that is marked by His presence and His love. When we understand how deeply God loves us, it changes how we live, how we treat others, and how we view ourselves.

Truth For The Day
The same love the Father has for the Son is poured into the hearts of those who belong to Christ.

Pray
Lord, thank You for revealing Your love through Jesus. Help me rest in the truth that I am loved by You. Fill my heart with Your presence so that Your love flows through my life to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Question
Is there someone in your life with whom you need to pursue reconciliation or extend grace?

Context

In John 17, Jesus prays not only for His disciples but also for all who would believe in Him through their message. This means Jesus was praying for future believers, including us. One of the central requests in His prayer is unity among His followers. Jesus points to the perfect unity between Himself and the Father as the model for how believers should live together.

Application
Unity among believers is not just a nice idea, it is part of our witness to the world. When Christians love, support, and forgive one another, they reflect the character of Christ. Division, bitterness, and pride weaken that testimony. Living in unity requires humility, grace, and a shared commitment to Christ.

Truth For The Day
Unity among believers points the world to Jesus.

Pray
Lord, thank You for making me part of Your family. Help me walk in humility and love toward others. Teach me to pursue unity so that my life reflects the truth of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.