After telling his disciples that they should love one another, Jesus began preparing them in John 15:18-16:11 to be hated by the world. Even so, he sent them out to be witnesses for him, but not on their own. He also promised to send the Holy Spirit to be the witness who would convince the world about the truth of the gospel.
Four short parables point to the surpassing value of the kingdom of God and the need to find it now.
Starting the day by focusing on the LORD orients the entire day toward him.
Daniel’s three friends preferred to die rather than renounce their faith, knowing that God would be with them no matter what.
