Gospel of John Student DevotionalSample

How do I reach people and help them find God? How do I give up what I have and turn to God? How do I face being disliked for following Jesus? These are very real questions that may have crossed your mind. Let’s explore how scripture can help us answer these questions.

How do I reach people and help them find God?

John 11:45 reads “Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what He did, believed in him.”

Your story and what God does in your life is testimony that can reach others and change their hearts. The Jews heard what God did in Mary’s life and it led them to believe in Jesus. The miracles God performs in your life can lead others to seek Jesus and can radically change their lives.

How do I give up what I have and turn to God?

John 12:3 says “Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure bard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”

It also says in John 12:8 “For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

Mary gave up the things that were expensive and would have earned her money. Instead she chose to serve and grow with and through Jesus. The value of the ointment or perfume did not matter, because Jesus is more valuable than anything of this world. There may be things we value in our lives; things like relationships, money and status or popularity. Those things could be keeping us from drawing near to God. If we can lay aside those worldly things and prioritize our relationship with Jesus, it will set us free and give us the ability to grow and let God move through us.

How do I face being disliked for following Jesus?

Look at what it says in John 12:10-11 “So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.”

Lazarus was hated simply for following Jesus. While it can be difficult to face being disliked by those around you, following Jesus is worth so much more. It is worth being temporarily disliked on Earth in return for eternity in heaven with our savior.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for the miracles you’ve performed in my life. I pray that my testimony can lead others into your light and love. I pray that you help me let go of the worldly things and fully turn to you no matter who or what I lose. I love you and it’s in your wonderful name I pray. Amen.