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He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. 2 Timothy 1:9a

Read: 2 Timothy 1:11-12
Listen: 2 Timothy 1

Paul is chained in a Roman prison as he writes to Timothy. The authorities feed him just enough to keep him alive. Paul depends on the generosity of friends for anything beyond basic survival. The cell is numbingly cold in winter and blisteringly hot in the summer. Paul receives few visitors and suffers physically and emotionally. But he is not ashamed because he knows who he suffers for—Jesus. He knows Jesus suffered for him, so he’s willing to suffer for Jesus. Paul even holds suffering as a goal. He writes in another letter: “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-11).

At its core, Christianity is trusting in someone. Our faith centers on Jesus. The more we know Jesus, the stronger our relationship with him grows, the more we will remain steadfast. Knowing Jesus—his character, mission, teachings and sufferings—provides us with his strength through the Holy Spirit to endure any suffering that following Jesus may bring. The more we get to know him, the more we know his heart for us, and our love for him deepens.

TODAY: Reflect on your understanding of Jesus. How often do your thoughts, attention and affection turn to Jesus during the day? How has your relationship with him matured over time? Journal your answers to these questions. Then pray for the Spirit’s wisdom and strength to deepen your love for and understanding of who Jesus is.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Exodus 28. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note the details given for the priests and how Jesus is our high priest.