Claiming that the temple no longer mattered

Claiming to be only one prophet among many

Saying Sabbath rest was no longer important

Keep honoring God clearly even when people misread you

Stop doing the right thing so the conflict will fade

Treat opposition as proof that truth no longer matters

Answer criticism by trying to win at any cost

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and I cannot make myself right with God. I need your mercy and your saving love. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust you as my Savior and Lord. Lead me to know the Father through you and to follow you with my whole life. Amen.

Receive Jesus as Lord

Father, revive your Church to speak of Jesus clearly and without fear. Where we have softened his identity to avoid conflict, make us faithful; where we have grown silent under pressure, make us steadfast. Give us love for your Son and courage to honor him even when truth is resisted, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew Our Boldness About Jesus

Lord, when obedience to you brings confusion or criticism, steady my heart. Keep me from shrinking back, and help me honor you more than I fear what people think, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Steady Me When I'm Misunderstood

Pray for people who react against Jesus because they misunderstand him, fear him, or feel threatened by his claims; ask God to soften hearts, open minds, and give wise and humble witness to his people.

For Those Who Resist Jesus

Thank God that Jesus truly reveals the Father; thank him that Jesus did not step back from the truth about who he is; thank him that God's truth is stronger than opposition.

Thank God for the Son's True Identity

Begin by naming one area where doing God's will has brought pushback. Ask God for calm courage, ask for words that are truthful and gentle, and ask for the grace to keep obeying even if others misunderstand you.

Pray Through a Costly Obedience

διὰ{di-A###di-AH###because of} τοῦτο{TOO-to###too-TOH###this} οὖν{OON###oon###therefore} μᾶλλον{MAL-lon###MAHL-lon###more} ἐζήτουν{e-ZEE-toon###eh-ZEE-toon###(They) were seeking} αὐτὸν{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###him} οἱ{HEE###hee###(the)} Ἰουδαῖοι{i-oo-DE-ee###ee-oo-DEH-ee###Jews} ἀποκτεῖναι{a-pok-TEE-ne###ah-pohk-TEE-neh###to kill} ὅτι{HO-tee###HOH-tee###because} οὐ{OON###oon###not} μόνον{MO-non###MOH-non###only} ἔλυε{E-lee-e###EH-lee-eh###was breaking} τὸ{to###toh###(the)} σάββατον{SAV-va-ton###SAHV-va-tohn###Sabbath} ἀλλὰ{a-LA###ah-LAH###but} καὶ{KE###keh###also} πατέρα{pa-TE-ra###pah-TEH-rah###Father} ἴδιον{EE-di-on###EE-di-ohn###his own} ἔλεγε{E-le-ye###EH-leh-yeh###was saying} τὸν{ton###tohn###(the)} θεὸν{the-ON###theh-OHN###God} ἴσον{EE-son###EE-sohn###equal} ἑαυτὸν{he-af-TON###heh-ahf-TOHN###himself} ποιῶν{pee-ON###pee-OHN###making} τῷ{to###toh###to (the)} θεῷ.{the-O###theh-OH###God}

John 5:18 — Source TextTAB

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