Daily Devotional for Wednesday, November 8

The Predictions of Jesus

“And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I,” Mark 14:27, 29.

Predictions! This word has a bad connotation. When you hear this word, you may think of religious fanatics or fortune tellers. Proper predictions have been coming true for centuries. Simply put, the word means to declare or indicate in advance. In 1900, an American civil engineer by the name of John Elfreth Watkins made several predictions about the future. Concerning one prediction, he said man would see around the world. People and things would be brought into focus by cameras which would be connected electrically with screens at opposite sides. This prediction became known as the television.

Even though many people continue to make unfounded predictions, there are things foretold that do happen. One reason the Bible is true, other than God wrote it, is the prophecies stated in it have come to pass. The prediction Jesus made about His death also came to pass.

Jesus foretold His death a few times throughout the gospels. He did not want His apostles to be afraid or surprised at this event. Here He said they would be offended. Peter, being the outspoken one of the group, said He would not be offended. Jesus went on to make another prediction. He told Peter that he would deny Him three times. Again, Peter persisted, “If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all” (verse 31).

Have you ever gotten upset by how others would say you might react? The prediction or prophecies in the Bible were spoken for your benefit, to know things to come so you do know how to react as each one comes to pass.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Each prediction in the Bible is true. Your belief in them will benefit you.

Karry Irizarry