March 21 & 22, 2026
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in our Lenten readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Lent 2026 – Day 18 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Week Jesus Dies
Read Sections 5.36 through 5.37 (pages 166-167)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
The Holy Spirit has a role in the unbeliever’s heart as well as the believers. It is interesting to consider what unbelievers do with this conviction that comes and what they associate it with. I imagine there is some guilt/conviction they project on us that is actually coming from the Holy Spirit. But for us, the Holy Sprit reveals truth and helps us to live out the truth as well. And Jesus wants to make sure the apostles know that He is leaving them but then He will return and then leave again. It is all to prepare them for the events that will be happening very soon so they will not be completely surprised. Although they do respond in the way that Jesus describes when He is arrested and is crucified, but at least they had this information available to them to reflect on. God always does His best to prepare us for the things we face. The question is will we access the information He gives us, will we remember it, and will we believe and follow.
These are the last words that Jesus speaks to His friends before the crucifixion, before He goes to do what He came to do. If He did not die, there was no gospel. If He did not die, He would not rise again and defeat death. If He did not die the Holy Spirit would not come, the spirit of truth that lives in all of us who believe. The Law is weak, but the spirit is powerful. Religious people struggle daily for a relationship with God. Those filled with the Spirit understand that we can take coverage under any circumstances that we’re never alone, the peace which surpasses all understanding. As Jesus last words to his disciples, that in me, you may have peace, in this world you will have trouble but take heart, I have overcome the world. That Jesus and his father are sovereign over all things in the world and sovereign over our lives as we go through this journey as pilgrims on earth.
Lent day 18
Lent 2026 – Day 18
Lent Day 18
Jesus spoke to His disciples about what was about to happen and that they would be sad but then would be happy. The helper (Holy Spirit) would be with them and if they prayed in Jesus’ name, the Father would answer.
Psalm 94; Ezekiel 25; The Life of Jesus 5.36-5.37
Lent Day 19
I suppose if a friend talked to me about things in the future, what he would do, what I would do, and the response of others, I would be just as confused as the disciples. That this friend would send another in his place for us, is beyond loving. The indwelling Spirit of God and Christ testifies of Christ’s great love. Oh, that all who live and breathe would have Him!
Day 16
God’s provision. His followers had seen it many times physically at this point when he fed thousands, He healed the sick, and even to the details of how they entered this city and supper. But now Jesus is sharing a new provision, a spiritual provision for when He is gone. I suppose I would be very confused by this if I were them. They were hearing that they would soon be able to speak directly to God, that they would receive the Holy Spirit power to guide, encourage, and strengthen them but this was something they had been dependant on Jesus for up until now. Jesus someone they could see and touch and hear. We are so grateful for the Holy Spirit power in our lives and we have always been blessed to speak directly to God because of the way made by His son, but you can picture this scene and how confused they must have been at the time.
Day 18
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We can have joy in knowing that we can have peace in Jesus. He also has overcome the world so we don’t need to be anxious about what is going on. Trust him in everything and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit who he sent to help us.