Day 270 John 16–18 Psalm 74

In John 16, Jesus prepares His disciples for hard times ahead. He warns that they will be hated and even chased out of synagogues. But He promises the Holy Spirit, who will guide them into truth and give them strength. He also tells them their grief will turn to joy, just like pain in childbirth leads to new life.

In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples. He asks the Father to protect them, to keep them united, and to fill them with truth. Then He prays for all future believers too, that they would be one and show the world God’s love. This prayer is like a window into Jesus’ heart, showing how deeply He cares for His people.

Step into the story and open your eyes,

walk through the tunnel where memory lies.

Now see as John, the disciple and friend,

who watched the heart of love to the end.

He is the Word, both flesh and flame,

from Him all truth and mercy came.

His heart revealed in every part,

God is love, the truest start.

I leaned on His heart the night of the feast,

the love of the Master never ceased.

I stood at the cross when others fled,

and heard Him speak with words I’ll never forget.

I saw His hands wash dusty feet,

a servant’s love so pure, complete.

I heard His voice, both strong and kind,

a Shepherd’s call for all mankind.

I watched Him weep beside the grave,

yet on the cross, His life He gave.

I felt His love that cannot die,

a living truth no one can deny.

In John 18, Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested. Peter tries to fight but ends up denying three times that he even knows Jesus. Jesus is questioned by the high priest and then taken to Pilate. Even though He is innocent, He is treated like a criminal. Through it all, Jesus stays calm and in control, showing He is ready to complete His mission.

Psalm 74 cries out to God after the temple is destroyed. The writer wonders why God’s people suffer, but he remembers God’s mighty power in the past. Even in grief, the psalm ends by asking God to rise up and defend His name.