TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 2:22-38
Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. - Luke 1:68
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the most touching accounts in the Old Testament is that of the barren Hannah. For years, this devout wife prayed for a child, only to remain childless. Finally, in God’s perfect timing, she conceived and gave birth to Samuel, who would become one of the most significant figures in Israel’s history. When Hannah dedicated young Samuel to the Lord, she proclaimed, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him” (1 Sam. 1:27).

Over a thousand years later, the birth of another young boy was anticipated by much prayer and was greeted with even greater praise and thanksgiving. In fact, prayer and worship surrounded the birth of Jesus. Luke 1 records Mary’s beautiful worship song (the Magnificat) and Zechariah’s praise (the Benedictus). Luke 2:13 tells us that the angels broke out in praise when the Savior’s birth was announced.

Today’s passage records yet another outpouring of prayer and praise accompanying Jesus’ birth. Luke tells us that Joseph and Mary took the infant Jesus to the Temple to dedicate Him to the Lord as prescribed in the Law. Joseph and Mary clearly knew that theirs was no ordinary child, and they had already witnessed remarkable events surrounding His birth (Luke 2:16–20). Even so, they probably were unprepared for what was about to happen in the Temple.

Luke says that righteous Simeon had been waiting his entire life for “the consolation of Israel,” or the Messiah (v. 25). Through the Holy Spirit, the Lord revealed to Simeon that the small child with Joseph and Mary was indeed the answer to the prayers of many. Realizing this, Simeon spontaneously praised the Sovereign Lord (vv. 29-32). The elderly prophetess Anna had a similar response.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you have never really considered Jesus’ prayer life before. Or perhaps you’ve never looked at it in any detail. It’s our prayer that this month’s study will help you learn more about this vital aspect of our Lord and encourage you in your own prayer life. To prepare for this study, take some time to list examples you remember of Jesus praying or teaching about prayer. You might read the first few chapters of Luke and note references to Jesus and prayer.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 7:7-11; Hebrews 5:7-10
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death. -
TODAY IN THE WORD
Sometimes kids ask the most profound questions! Recently at a Vacation Bible School, the volunteer leader read Mark 1:35, which says that Jesus got up early and went off by Himself to pray. Immediately, a cute (and precocious) four-year-old hand shot up. When the leader called on the little preschooler, she asked, “How come Jesus had to pray if He was God?”

Have you ever stopped to wonder why Jesus prayed during His incarnation? Didn’t He know everything already? Didn’t He already have everything He needed for ministry? This is an important question, and not just for four-year olds!

The key to understanding Jesus’ prayer life–our focus for this month–is to consider His unique position as the Second Person of the Trinity. Jesus alone is both fully God and fully human. And it’s because of His authentic humanity that we can understand why Jesus prayed during His time on earth. Jesus wasn’t just going through the motions . . . He prayed because His humanity required it!

We know that Jesus was willing to take on human flesh so He could pay the ultimate price for sinful humanity. Becoming human also meant that He was utterly dependent upon the Father. Today’s passage from Hebrews 5 gives us insight into how fervently Jesus prayed during His incarnation.

There’s another reason why Jesus prayed. By praying Himself, Jesus not only showed that prayer is vital, but He also demonstrated to His disciples how to pray. Throughout this month, we’ll look at Jesus’ recorded prayers and how He modeled prayer.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Confident prayer is often misunderstood. Faced with unanswered prayer, we think we didn’t pray enough, or in the right way, or with enough confidence.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 18:1-14
In God I trust, I will not be afraid. - Psalm 56:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
What do the founders of McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken, the inventor of the light bulb, and the widow in today’s story all have in common? If you guessed “persistence,” you’re right! Before Thomas Edison turned on the first light bulb, he endured nine thousand failed attempts! Apparently, Colonel Sanders heard “No!” 1,009 times before anyone was sold on his “secret recipe.” And Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s, lived by a simple formula: #1 - never give up. #2 - always persevere. #3 - don’t forget #1!

Luke makes it clear that Jesus told the parable of the widow and the judge (vv. 2-5) to teach the disciples about perseverance in prayer. When we first read this parable, it’s easy to think that God is somehow like this heartless judge and to conclude that if we just pester God long enough, He’ll finally give us what we want! But a closer look at verses 6 and 7 shows that Jesus intends something else from this parable.

At the end of Luke 17, Jesus taught that the coming of the kingdom of God would arrive unexpectedly. Jesus told today’s parable to teach His disciples never to give up praying for justice and righteousness . . . especially in the midst of a world that can be as cruel and heartless as the judge in this parable. The lesson from the widow, who would have been especially vulnerable to injustice, is not perfecting the technique of badgering, but rather never forsaking the pursuit of justice. In Luke 18:1, Jesus made it clear that the alternative to persevering in prayer is giving up. That’s why He asked the question about finding faith at His Second Coming (v. . The lesson here is to persevere in faithfulness even though we live in an unjust world.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It’s easy to grow discouraged by the injustice around us. Today’s parable presents us with two options: we can either give up or we can pray, faithfully anticipating Jesus’ Second Coming. The faith that the Son of Man longs to find upon His return is faith that has persevered in trusting Him to make all things right and to judge those who have acted wickedly. And as we’re praying for justice, the parable of the tax collector encourages us to remain humble, knowing that God has had mercy on us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 21:12-22; Mark 11:12-26
I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. - Matthew 18:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1836, George Müller opened an orphanage in Bristol, England. Believing that God alone would provide for these children, Müller resolved to rely on God. Over the next 57 years, thousands of children were cared for in Müller’s orphanages. It’s easy to conclude that Müller was some kind of “super” Christian, but W. Bingham Hunter writes in his book The God Who Hears that “George Müller regarded his life as a demonstration of what God might do through the prayers of an ordinary Christian.”

The faith of “ordinary” believers was what Jesus had in mind when he used the fig tree as an object lesson on prayer. Matthew and Mark connect this teaching with Jesus’ Triumphal Entry and cleansing of the Temple. The picture of Jesus overturning tables and driving out greedy merchants has captivated artists, but Jesus’ anger was less about greed than about forsaken prayer. Quoting Isaiah 56:7, Jesus reminded his listeners that the Temple was supposed to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Mark 11:17).

Jesus then used a fig tree to teach a powerful lesson. Just as a fig tree should produce fruit, so too the Temple should have been producing the fruit of prayer, faith, and healing instead of being filled with greed and cruelty. The chief priests and teachers of the law were actually indignant because of the wonderful things that Jesus was doing, including healing the blind and lame (Matt. 21:15)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passages also suggest another element to fruitful prayer: praying with other believers. In the original Greek, the “you” mentioned in Matthew 21:22 and Mark 11:24 is plural. Jesus was addressing a group of His disciples (Matt. 21:20), and it seems likely that He intended them to pray together. There seems to be something about corporate prayer that keeps our focus on the Father’s will and tempers selfishness. If you aren’t already joining with others in prayer, today’s passages provide encouragement to do so!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 5:43-48; Luke 6:27-28
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. - Luke 6:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Even from upstairs, Mildred could hear the commotion. The ministry offices were usually quiet at this time in the afternoon, so the man shouting downstairs sounded especially loud. As Mildred listened, she realized that this man was very angry and violent. As she crept down the stairs, she saw a man wielding a baseball bat cursing her fellow workers.

For a few minutes, she watched in horrified silence. Then quietly, yet deliberately, Mildred walked straight towards the man, put her arms around him, and started praying for him. At first, he was so stunned, he didn’t know what to do. Then he began to cry. Finally, he looked at her and said, “I just had to know if anybody really loved me.”

Today’s passages may not have been in Mildred’s mind when she acted as she did, but they no doubt filled her heart. Loving our enemies doesn’t come naturally. Jesus was well aware of that. Conventional wisdom during Jesus’ day said that enemies were to be hated, or at least avoided. Even in our day, some children are taught from a very early age to hate other groups of people. Thus, Jesus’ command, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,” was–and still is–radical.

This command involves going beyond natural affection. It’s easy to love those who are nice to us. This command also urges us to go beyond “what everyone else is doing.” Notice that Jesus followed this command with a reason–so that we might become children of our Father in heaven (v. 45). In other words, we love our enemies so that we might act in accordance with our true nature as children of God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Praying for our enemies has a way of protecting our own hearts at the same time from hardening. Something releases inside when we bring our persecutors before the Lord in prayer. There are many examples of this throughout the church’s history, but two especially inspiring accounts involve Corrie ten Boom, who prayed for her Nazi captors, and Ruby Bridges, who prayed for those who hated her because of her skin color. Books or videos about either one can be found in your library or bookstore.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 9:35-38
Ask the Lord of the harvest . . . to send out workers into his harvest field. - Luke 10:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
It’s easy to feel discouraged when we hear about events in places like Iran, Iraq, and North Africa. That’s why it’s important to look behind the headlines. Missionaries in several Islamic countries have seen a growing interest in the gospel. In some places, entire villages have turned out to hear about Jesus. There are often more evangelistic opportunities than there are Christian workers.

This is very encouraging because sometimes we may feel like people in the United States aren’t open to the gospel. But like recent missionary reports, today’s passage challenges us to think differently. This passage briefly summarizes Jesus’ ministry; the details are recorded in Matthew 9:18–34. Verse 36 brings us to the very heart of our Lord: when He saw the staggering physical, emotional, and spiritual needs around Him, He was filled with tender compassion. The Greek word for “compassion” indicates a response that’s felt in the very depth of one’s being. Like a good shepherd who cares for his vulnerable sheep, Jesus’ heart went out to the helpless and hopeless.

This is indeed a wonderful insight into our Lord’s heart, but there’s another remarkable element in today’s account. Upon seeing the needs around Him, notice that Jesus didn’t pray that God would immediately meet all those needs, or even that He would enable Jesus to meet all of them. Instead, Jesus prayed that God would raise up more workers to join in the Lord’s work! That’s pretty amazing. Jesus deliberately chose to minister to the crowds by involving others to assist Him!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you ever looked at a world map and imagined people groups like fields waiting to be harvested? Many of us only have to look at our own neighborhoods to find ripe harvest fields. Like a farmer anxious to harvest precious crops, take some time to pray for more workers to labor in the Lord’s fields. You can also inform your prayers by finding out about mission agencies your church supports or by visiting www.missionaries.org. Who knows . . . you may be the laborer whom the Lord is raising up!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 6:5-15
His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. - Matthew 5:1–2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Martin Luther once said that prayer is the true calling of all Christians. Deep down, most of us would agree, but we’d also have to admit that often we don’t know how to pray. Even Jesus’ disciples faced this problem. Indeed, the apostle Paul himself acknowledged that sometimes believers just don’t know what to pray for (Rom. 8:26).

Today’s teaching on prayer is part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5–7). Within this long teaching, Matthew 6:1–18 address the three pillars of Jewish piety: prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. Jesus counters the hypocritical practices that were common at the time. He stresses the same basic point in each section: expressions of faith are to be seen by God and not to impress others.

That’s why Jesus began today’s passage by telling His disciples to avoid being like those who prayed for show. Instead, Jesus encouraged His disciples to draw away from the spotlight so that only their Father in heaven could hear their prayers. Of course, Jesus didn’t intend that believers never pray publicly! Rather, He pointed out that we need to pay attention to our motives when we pray, and we may be especially tempted to impress others when we are praying out loud.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It’s always encouraging to remind ourselves that our Father cares more about our heart in prayer than our actual words!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4
One of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” - Luke 11:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
O thou by whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way! / The path of prayer thyself hast trod; Lord, teach us how to pray!

James Montgomery (1771–1854) penned these words expressing the simple truth that Jesus is the only way to the Father, and that the way is “the path of prayer.” Centuries earlier, the disciples discovered this same truth.

Today’s passage in Matthew and the parallel account in Luke record the prayer known either as the “Lord’s Prayer” or the “Our Father.” Most likely this is the most prayed and most translated prayer in the world!

Notice first how many times the word “us” appears, and also note the opening words “Our Father.” This reminds us that, as believers, we’re no longer isolated, but we’re part of God’s family. This prayer reminds us who God is–our Father in heaven. Even though we’re part of His family, His ways aren’t like our ways! It’s His kingdom, and His will–not ours–that’s to be carried out.

These points are important to keep in mind, because they remind us that when we pray, we aren’t to begin with what we need, but with who God is. It’s not that our needs are unimportant (as the rest of prayer makes clear), but our needs must be seen in light of the One to whom we’re praying.

The second part of this prayer may be summarized in one word: provision. In that time, bread was an indispensable part of life–praying for daily bread meant praying for everything required for day-to-day living. The fact that forgiveness is listed next suggests that being forgiven and forgiving others is also essential for our daily well-being. Finally, we are urged to pray for spiritual protection from the temptation that surrounds us and from the Evil One who seeks to destroy us.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Because the Lord’s prayer is so compact and comprehensive, many people have found it useful to pray one part of it each day of the week.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Mark 7:31-37
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. - James 5:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Recent polls indicate that a majority of Americans believe that prayer is an important aspect of healing for the seriously ill. An increasing number of doctors and medical personnel acknowledge that answered prayer is the only explanation for some patients’ miraculous recoveries or sudden cancer remissions.

This comes as no surprise to those who are familiar with the gospel accounts of Jesus healing numerous individuals of various diseases. Mark 7 records one such account and shows the connection between healing and prayer.

This healing took place in Decapolis–that’s the same general area where Jesus healed the Gerasene demoniac and two thousand pigs threw themselves into the lake (Mark 5:1–20). When Jesus left that region after that incident, He wasn’t very popular, but the healed man’s witness spread the good news about Jesus.

In today’s passage, it’s clear that people had come to know that Jesus was the one to turn to for hope and healing. This time they brought a deaf man with a speech impediment to Jesus. After getting the man away from the crowd, Jesus then proceeded to do some strange things! First, He put His fingers in the man’s ears; next, He spit and touched the man’s tongue; finally, He prayed.

Some people critical of the Bible have suggested that this was some type of magic, but there’s a better explanation. The creation account also involved dirt and prayer (Gen. 2:7). Thus, Jesus’ actions indicated that He had the power to restore this poor man to God’s original design for humans. Additionally, the Aramaic term Ephphatha probably indicates that the man also needed spiritual release and healing (v. 34).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The diversity of healing accounts in the Gospels cautions against any set formula for healing prayer. In fact, the Gospels indicate that Jesus passed by some towns where people sought healing. This suggests that we may never understand the how, when, and why of healing. Even so, the Bible still urges us to pray for healing. Unlike Jesus, we don’t have the power to heal within ourselves. Yet like Jesus, we aren’t bound to pray for healing in only one formulaic way. It is never a ritual that heals–but the power of our loving Father.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 22:24-34
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. - Psalm 42:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
The story is told of a Christian pastor on a plane trip. Near him a man sat thumbing through some cards and moving his lips. Supposing that the man was also a believer, the pastor asked him if he were memorizing something, The man replied that he had been praying. Excited, the pastor said that he also prayed. Then the man said that he had a specific focus for his prayer. “I’m praying for the downfall of Christian pastors.”

You can well imagine this pastor’s shock. Most believers are unaware of the spiritual warfare around them. But Jesus was clear about this: Satan actively targets individual believers, especially leaders, for downfall.

The conversation recorded in Luke 22 between Jesus and Peter occurred near the end of Jesus’ ministry. In fact, the disciples had just finished their last meal with Jesus, when they began arguing about who was greatest among them. It’s particularly sad that this happened at the end of their time with Jesus. It reminds us that we’re always vulnerable to pride.

To quell their dispute, Jesus reminded them that leadership in His kingdom wasn’t like worldly kingdoms. Gentile kings went to great lengths to impress upon their subjects their superiority. Sometimes they presented themselves as gods, other times they used brutal force. Leadership for the Lord, however, was 180 degrees opposite. Jesus taught what some people today call “servant leadership”–leading by serving.

Leadership in Jesus’ kingdom first meant laying aside one’s pride. But second it meant realizing one’s vulnerability to spiritual attack (v. 32). Peter rashly denied that anything could keep him from following the Lord. This blindness had serious consequences. Only a few hours after he and Jesus spoke, Peter denied the Lord three times.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Leaders among God’s people have always been targets for spiritual attack. Both Peter and Paul experienced intense times of spiritual opposition.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 19:13-22
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God! - 1 John 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
A popular children’s hymn goes as follows: “Jesus loves the little children/ All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white/ They are precious in His sight!” Contrast this with William Penn’s observation, “Men are generally more careful of their horses and dogs than of their children.”

Unfortunately, the disciples tended to resemble Penn’s remark! In Jesus’ day, children weren’t considered citizens, although it’s likely they were well-loved in many families. In religious matters, most people didn’t think children were capable of independent thinking. These attitudes help explain why the disciples rebuked those who brought their children to Jesus (v. 13).

Yet this account helps us understand some of Jesus’ attitudes toward prayer and how He modeled it for His disciples. The passage doesn’t give direct teaching on prayer, nor does it record a specific prayer uttered by Jesus. Instead, it shows us that all human beings, especially those who might be overlooked, are invited to pray.

Although laying on hands was a known practice for blessing, Mark adds the tender comment that Jesus “took the children in his arms” (Mark 10:16). This action shows us at least two things about how Jesus prayed for people. First, Jesus’ prayer was personal. He didn’t stand far off and offer some blanket blessing for a large group. We get the impression that He took each child in His arms and prayed a special blessing for that child. Second, Jesus touched people as He prayed for them. Earlier in Matthew, we learn that Jesus touched a man with leprosy as He healed him (Matt. 8:3).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although there are certainly times when touching another person isn’t appropriate, in our culture we’re generally too hesitant to touch others. But touch can be a powerful blessing, especially with prayer. Consider what it would mean to gently place your hand on the shoulder of a grieving brother or sister as you pray for them. Or the comfort your Bible study or Sunday school class could give when you lay hands on an individual who needs prayer. What a simple way that we can follow the example of Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 4:46-54
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. - Hebrews 11:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Any parent–or anyone who has spent a lot of time with young children–knows the deep, gripping fear that comes when a little one is burning up with fever. Looking at bright red cheeks and glazed eyes, it’s hard not to feel a sense of panic. Imagine living somewhere far away from a good doctor or even children’s aspirin, and you can begin to imagine what the father in today’s passage might have felt.

John tells us simply that this anguished father was a royal official. Upon hearing that Jesus was in Cana, this man hurried the twenty miles or so from Capernaum to beg Jesus to heal his sick son. But knowing more about this man’s background helps us to understand Jesus’ seemingly harsh response. This man must have been somehow connected with those who served King Herod. Notice also that Jesus said “you people” (v. 48). This privileged group was generally opposed to Jesus. Jesus knew that this man was more inclined to “see and then believe” than to really trust in Jesus. Jesus wanted him to have a genuine faith that didn’t need “signs and wonders.”

So, Jesus gave this man a chance to grow in his faith. Jesus refused to go as this man wanted, and instead He told the official to return home (v. 50). By doing this, Jesus gave the man an opportunity to trust that He had taken care of his son. Jesus did answer the request to heal his son, but He refused to do it the way that the man had requested.

John indicates that this man must have believed; he “took Jesus at his word and departed” (v. 50). Certainly nothing had prepared this caring father for what had actually taken place when he had spoken with Jesus. Upon questioning his servants, this official realized that his son had been healed at the very moment that Jesus had spoken to him (v. 53).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Clearly there’s a limit to how much we can compare our experience with that of Jesus. Jesus wanted to deepen this man’s faith, and He chose to heal the little boy from a distance to accomplish that. At the same time, today’s passage encourages us that we don’t have to be physically present for prayer to be effective. Maybe you’re part of a prayer chain, or you receive email urging you to pray for people thousands of miles away. Pray, pray, pray! Our Lord is not limited by geography to answer prayer!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Matthew 11:25-30; Luke 10:17-24
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. - Psalm 107:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Professor Margaret Magdalen writes the following about the prayer life of Jesus: “His work was an offering of prayer. His healing ministry was a way of praying . . . He Himself was the way, the truth and the life, and every encounter, every relationship, became prayer.” For the next week and a half, we’ll look at specific prayers uttered by Jesus, and as we do so, we’ll see that indeed Jesus’ very life was prayer. We begin today with Jesus’ prayer of praise for God’s perfect wisdom.

The prayer recorded in today’s passages comes after the early ministry of Jesus’ disciples. Luke 10 records Jesus sending out 72 disciples and their eager report back to Him about their “short-term mission.” Specifically, these disciples marveled that demons had submitted to them because of the name of Jesus (v. 17). Both Matthew’s and Luke’s account of this event record that Jesus rejoiced and thanked the Father for a much different reason.

Luke 10:18 tells us that because all authority had been given to Jesus, and He gave this authority to His disciples, Satan’s power had been broken. But it’s not the destruction of evil that brought Jesus joy as much as the fact that His followers would spend eternity in heaven! The disciples rejoiced that they had power over the enemy, but Jesus rejoiced because great spiritual truths had been revealed to those who were as powerless as babies (v. 24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Author Brian J. Dodd writes, “Thanksgiving is essential to prayer, since all that we are, all that we have and all that we receive comes from our gracious God.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 11:1-44
Nothing is impossible with God. - Luke 1:37
TODAY IN THE WORD
Eva had always resisted religion . . . that’s what weak people needed. She could take care of herself. Even when her husband died, she raised three children and provided well for them. When her daughter became a Christian, she dismissed it as a passing teenage fancy. But her daughter’s faith grew. Years later, her daughter and son-in-law continued praying for Eva. Finally, at sixty-eight, Eva accepted the Lord. But six months later she was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died just before her seventieth birthday.

Although she didn’t have many months to live, Eva’s bold witness to Christ the year following her conversion touched countless lives. When she died, her friends, family, and hospital attendants had heard the gospel and saw living proof of its power in Eva’s life.

God’s glory is often revealed in tragedy, as today’s passage shows. It surely grieved Jesus’ heart to learn that His friend had become so ill (v. 5). Yet Jesus knew that God would reveal His glory through this incident. In fact, instead of rushing to heal Lazarus, Jesus delayed going to Bethany, which allowed for Lazarus’ death (v. 21).

Without the greater story of God’s glory, this delay seems cruel. But notice that Jesus said that He was glad that He hadn’t reached Lazarus “in time” (v. 15). Jesus knew that people’s greatest need was to believe in the one true God.

Jesus’ conversation with Martha set the stage for realizing that “resurrection” was not some distant theological hope. Instead, Jesus boldly declared, “I am the resurrection and the life!” (v. 25). Prior to Lazarus’ resuscitation, Martha had no idea what this meant!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus knew that His prayers were heard because He always prayed according to the Father’s will. There’s a profound lesson for us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 12:20-28
“Father, save me from this hour?” No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name! - John 12:27–28
TODAY IN THE WORD
Many Christians center their lives around some type of “life principle.” For example, Amy Carmichael dedicated her life to overseas missions. D. L. Moody determined to make Bible education available to everyone. In Jesus’ life, this principle would surely be “to glorify the Father’s name.”

Recall that the first petition of the Lord’s Prayer concerned God’s name: “Hallowed be your name” (Matt. 6:9). In Jewish thought, a person’s name was that person’s identity. When Jesus said that He came in the Father’s name (John 5:43), He meant that He fully represented the Father’s character. As Jesus ministered, He glorified the Father’s name because He revealed the very nature of God.

Glorifying the Father’s name is integrally tied to doing the Father’s will. Recall that Jesus’ “food” was to do the Father’s will (John 4:34). Today’s passage records Jesus’ resolution to do the Father’s will, even to the point of dying on the Cross.

Throughout John’s Gospel, “hour” indicates Jesus’ death on the Cross. Because of all that His death would accomplish, this “hour” is also the time when the Son was glorified. This hour came when certain historical events took place, such as the Greeks seeking Jesus (John 12:20). Knowing that there was no turning back, Jesus also knew that true life could only come out of death (vv. 24–25).

The prayer recorded in verses 27 and 28 encourages us never to take lightly the anguish that Jesus was willing to endure by going to the Cross. In His humanity, His heart was deeply troubled, and He wondered if He should pray that God would keep Him from the Cross.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s prayer is one of the most poignant ever uttered. Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death, none of us will ever have to pray this prayer in the same way that Jesus did.