Our Daily Bread Devotional 17th January 2026 – Today’s Insight, Bible Reading & Prayer – Saturday ODB Message
Are you searching for the Our Daily Bread Devotional 17th January 2026 Message? You’re in the right place. Today’s devotional offers a refreshing word from Scripture, a heartfelt reflection, and a prayer to start your day with purpose. Whether you’re reading for spiritual growth, daily encouragement, or Bible study, this edition of Our Daily Bread provides the inspiration and wisdom you need to stay rooted in Christ.
TOPIC: Courage to Stand for Jesus
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Genesis 41-42; Matthew 12:1-23
KEY VERSE: Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. – Matthew 10:38
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
John 13:36-38; 21:18-19
INSIGHT FOR TODAY
In John 13:36-38, Jesus is focused on Simon Peter and his need for courage in the hours and days ahead. The gracious warning He gives to him (v. 38) should’ve gotten the fisherman’s attention, but rather than leaning into the strength of the Master, Peter sought to face those hours in his own strength. Even in the moment when he seemed to be desperately trying to keep his promise to “lay down [his life] for” Christ” (v. 37)—by cutting off the ear of Malchus, servant of the High Priest (John 18:10)—his attempt failed, and he ran away with the other disciples (Mark 14:50). Only in God’s strength can we stand firm and have courage in difficult times and places. Peter would exhibit that courage when confronted by the religious leaders for preaching in Jesus’ name. At that moment, even they had to acknowledge the influence of Christ on His once-fallen, now-restored disciple (Acts 4:13). His influence in our life can also help us face life’s challenges with courageous faith. (Insight By: Bill Crowder)
Our Daily Bread Devotional – 17th January 2026 | MESSAGE
In ad 155, the early church father Polycarp was threatened with death by fire for his faith in Christ. He replied, “For eighty and six years I have been his servant, and he has done me no wrong. And how can I now blaspheme my king who saved me?” Polycarp’s response can be an inspiration for us when we face extreme trial because of our faith in Jesus, our King.
Just hours before Christ’s death, Peter boldly pledged His allegiance to Him: “I will lay down my life for you” (John 13:37). Jesus, who knew Peter better than Peter knew himself, replied, “Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (v. 38). However, after Jesus’ resurrection, the same one who’d denied Him began to serve Him courageously and would eventually glorify Him through his own death (see 21:16-19).
Are you a Polycarp or a Peter? Most of us, if we’re honest, are more of a Peter with a “courage outage”—a failure to speak or act honorably as a believer in Jesus. Such occasions—whether in a classroom, boardroom, or breakroom—needn’t indelibly define us. When those failures occur, we must prayerfully dust ourselves off and turn to Jesus, the one who died for us and lives for us. He’ll help us be faithful to Him and courageously live for Him daily in difficult places.(Message By: Arthur Jackson)
REFLECT & PRAY
When do you need extra doses of courage to stand for Jesus? What do you find helpful in your witness for Him?
Heavenly Father, please give me Your strength to live boldly as a believer in Your Son.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.