So they would remember his words when the time arrived

So they would have a full timetable of future events

So they could rely on their own understanding instead of his words

Jesus had already told them these things.

He was silent from the start because he was absent from them.

He did not tell them at the beginning because he was with them.

Speak the truth in time and keep walking with them.

Wait until the crisis hits and then explain everything.

Offer reassurance now but avoid anything that might unsettle them later.

Warn them once, then leave them alone with it.

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and cannot save myself. I turn from my sin, believe that you died for me and rose again, and confess you as my Lord. You know what is coming, and I need your mercy, your words, and your presence. Lead me in your truth and help me remember you when hard things come. Amen.

Receive Jesus, the One Who Speaks Ahead

Lord, wake your Church from spiritual sleep. Make us listen before pressure comes, keep your words close, and help us love one another enough to prepare each other with truth and presence. Revive us to trust your voice and remember it when the hour arrives, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew Your Church to Remember

Pray by naming the hard season you can see ahead, asking Jesus to bring his words to mind at the right time, and asking for courage to trust him before events unfold.

Pray for Help When the Moment Comes

Pray with thanks for: Jesus' care in warning ahead of time; the gift of words that can return to mind later; his faithful presence with his people before the future is clear.

Thank God for Timely Warning

Pray about: a future event that makes you anxious; the comfort of knowing Jesus sees ahead; a request to keep his words close when your feelings rise.

Bring Your Fears About the Future

Lord, help me speak with honesty to people who need to be ready, and help me stay near them instead of pulling away. Make me steady, considerate, and faithful in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Stay Near Those Who Need Preparing

ἀλλὰ{al-LA###ahl-LAH###But} ταῦτα{TAF-ta###TAHF-tah###these things} λελάληκα{le-LA-lee-ka###leh-LAH-lee-kah###have spoken} ὑμῖν{ee-MEEN###ee-MEEN###to you} ἵνα{EE-na###EE-nah###so that} ὅταν{O-tan###OH-tahn###when} ἔλθῃ{EL-thee###EHL-thee###comes} ἡ{ee###ee###the} ὥρα{O-ra###OH-rah###hour} ⸀αὐτῶν{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###their} μνημονεύητε{mnee-mo-NEV-ee-te###mnee-moh-NEHV-ee-teh###may remember} ⸁αὐτῶν{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###them} ὅτι{O-tee###OH-tee###that} ἐγὼ{e-GO###eh-GOH###I} εἶπον,{EE-pon###EE-pon###said} ὑμῖν.{ee-MEEN###ee-MEEN###to you} Ταῦτα{TAF-ta###TAHF-tah###These things} δὲ{DE###DEH###(But)} ὑμῖν{ee-MEEN###ee-MEEN###to you} ἐξ{eks###ehks###from} ἀρχῆς{ar-KHEES###ahr-KHEES###the beginning} οὐκ{ook###ook###not} εἶπον,{EE-pon###EE-pon###said} ὅτι{O-tee###OH-tee###because} μεθʼ{meth###meth###with} ὑμῶν{ee-MON###ee-MOHN###you} ἤμην.{EE-MEEN###EE-MEEN###I was}

John 16:4 — Source TextTAB

More on this verse