John 16:16-33
October Memory Verse: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (NIV)
John 16:16-33
All of us have been confused a multitude of times in our lives. Different things confuse each of us, but we all share the human condition of lacking perfect intellect and understanding.
The disciples are confused in this passage. They are confused by Jesus saying that he will be leaving them and the Helper (the Holy Spirit) would be coming to them and would be better than if Jesus was with them. Then Jesus says things like, “A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me.”
As we see in other accounts of the gospels, Jesus is telling his disciples that there is coming soon a time that he will be leaving them and coming back again. As people who know the end of the story, it could be easy for us to not understand how the disciples don’t get it or understand. But we would have been the same way!
Jesus is preparing them for the sorrow of his absence, but also for the joy that will come from his resurrection from the dead and continued presence through the Holy Spirit. But before that, he tells them again that they will scatter at his greatest moment of need. Instead of reviling them for this, he proclaims that his father is with him, and utters some of the greatest words ever written:
“I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (v. 33)
We all desperately need the peace that comes from God. We live in a world that is full of brokenness, temptation and tribulation. But in his death and resurrection, Christ has overcome sin and the world on our behalf. He is our hope and our peace.
What encourages you from this passage today?
By: Graham Withers
John 16:16-33
All of us have been confused a multitude of times in our lives. Different things confuse each of us, but we all share the human condition of lacking perfect intellect and understanding.
The disciples are confused in this passage. They are confused by Jesus saying that he will be leaving them and the Helper (the Holy Spirit) would be coming to them and would be better than if Jesus was with them. Then Jesus says things like, “A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me.”
As we see in other accounts of the gospels, Jesus is telling his disciples that there is coming soon a time that he will be leaving them and coming back again. As people who know the end of the story, it could be easy for us to not understand how the disciples don’t get it or understand. But we would have been the same way!
Jesus is preparing them for the sorrow of his absence, but also for the joy that will come from his resurrection from the dead and continued presence through the Holy Spirit. But before that, he tells them again that they will scatter at his greatest moment of need. Instead of reviling them for this, he proclaims that his father is with him, and utters some of the greatest words ever written:
“I have said these things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (v. 33)
We all desperately need the peace that comes from God. We live in a world that is full of brokenness, temptation and tribulation. But in his death and resurrection, Christ has overcome sin and the world on our behalf. He is our hope and our peace.
What encourages you from this passage today?
By: Graham Withers
3 Comments
I just feel more and more as I develop in my faith that I become less and less like the world. It is comforting knowing that through His death and resurrection that Christ has indeed overcome sin and the world. That our hope rests completely in him and that we can continue to share His influence around the World to make a difference one life at a time!
My comment may sound a little silly. Jesus is showing his disciples what will happen and the promises He makes to them and to us about His death, resurrection, and His return but one verse, verse 29 intrigued me; "His disciples said, 'Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech." In other words, "we get it!" (Supposedly) Many times when I am reading scripture, something written does not clearly sink in or is difficult to understand; its intent. But when I pray, meditate and search other passages in God's written Word, boom; the light comes on, brighter than ever. I get it! Joy in my heart occurs and what a blessing. Even the disciples had that moment.
Jesus seems to be saying that we can have His peace in the midst of tribulation. This type of quiet peace-relinquishing of control to Him and knowing that all things work together for the good of those who love Him-sometimes speaks louder than our words.