27  "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: "`I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'

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This must have been the worst possible news for Jesus' disciples.  Jesus here predicted that he would be killed and that his followers would be scattered.  These must have been abrupt and shocking words for men who had been together for over three years, men who had given up careers and sacrificed family commitments to follow Jesus.

But Jesus also spoke words that seem to have slipped past the disciples.  He said, "but after I have risen, I will go ahead of you" (v 28).  Those few short words have forever transformed bad news into good news.  Jesus' resurrection pulls together scattered men.  It gives hope and life.  It infects people with the miraculous.

Don't let his words slip past you.  Believing them could affect your struggles, your perspective, your life.  If you haven't yet decided to accept these words, make an effort to discuss them with a small group. If you have accepted them and believe in Jesus' resurrection power, talk to another person who remains unconvinced.  It could be the most important conversation you'll ever have with that individual.

If you have never accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior,