By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
Read John 13:1-17.
The cross wasn’t a last-minute tragedy—it was the central purpose of Jesus’ earthly life.
In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef shows how Jesus lived with unwavering clarity about His mission: to finish the work the Father gave Him. From the wedding at Cana to His final meal with the disciples, Christ repeatedly referred to the coming “hour”—the hour of His sacrifice, when He would finally declare, “It is finished.”
You’ll see this focus unfold in three powerful moments:
- Cana (John 2): Even at His first miracle, Jesus points beyond the celebration to the cross—“My hour has not yet come.”
- Feast of Tabernacles (John 7): In the face of rising opposition and threats, Jesus remains steady because His time is under the Father’s control.
- The Upper Room (John 13): On the eve of betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, modeling humble love because He knows the hour has arrived.
Dr. Youssef reminds us that Jesus embraced the cross as the Father’s will—and as His joy—so that sinners could be saved. As you listen, you’ll be invited to marvel again at the wonder of God’s love: He did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your incredible love that led You to the cross in obedience to the Father. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father” (John 13:1).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon It Is Finished: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW
The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.
🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care
💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
https://myfaithassistant.com
If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.
❤️ Support Leading The Way:
https://www.ltw.org/donate