But Jesus said to [James and John], “… Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?”
“Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!”
Then Jesus told them, “You will indeed drink from my bitter cup and be baptized with my baptism of suffering.”
Key Thought
James and John both paid huge prices for their faith in Jesus. James was martyred early in the history of the church. [1] John, on the other hand, was exiled to the island of Patmos, [2] where he saw visions of what lay ahead for the church in Asia Minor — it was a time of persecution, apostasy, and challenge. James and John each gave his life in a different way to follow the Master who saw greatness in sacrifice and not in human success. O that we might have the courage to do as they each did, faithfully serving the LORD no matter what challenges face us in our lives.
[2] Revelation 1:9.
Today’s Prayer
O God, you are worthy of my life. You gave it to me at my conception. I pray that you will use it to your glory. And I trust, dear Father, that you will keep it for eternity. In Jesus’ name, I confess my trust in you. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Philippians 1:19-24Acts 12:1-4Revelation 1:9Ⓒ 1996-2024 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.