Intro: Chapter 16 of the gospel of John is filled with so many things for which to be thankful—thanksgiving is the Christian way of life. Thankfulness is how we respond to the goodness and grace of God. Jesus tells his followers [us] many truths about his identity, work, and our future as his disciples. First, the world hated Jesus and it will hate us; however, so we will not abandon our faith from the struggles, he sent the Holy Spirit as our Helper [vv.1-4] Thank you, Jesus, for our warning and the work of our Helper! Second, we can live confidently in God’s wisdom because it is the Spirit’s work to convict humanity of sin, the availability of God’s righteousness, and the judgment that will come to the world for its rebellion against God’s authority [vv. 8-10]. Thank you, Jesus, we can follow the Holy Spirit into your work of righteousness and the proclamation of Truth! Third, because of our connection to Christ, we can go directly to the Father and ask in Jesus’ name for our needs to be met, he will provide for our success, and we will experience the joy of our salvation [v.24]. Thank you, Jesus, for being our divine connection to the Good Father!
In our passage today—continuation of John 16—Jesus tells his disciples they will be scattered and soon sent out into the world with the Spirit; Jesus is returning to the Heavenly Father. Now, Jesus sits at the righteous right hand—the power of the Father—and there he rests until he returns to destroy evil for good [1 Pet 3:22]. When Christ comes to earth the second time, he brings about the Kingdom of God: the absolute rule of God over all creation and humanity. In the meantime, we must dwell in the Word of God and listen to the Voice of the Spirit each day. This is the peace [welfare] Jesus has provided for us. Thank you Jesus for putting everything in order so in your provision and power we can be confident, courageous, and more than conquerors! Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ [1 Cor. 15:57].
John 16:25-33
25 “I have spoken to you using figurative language [parables/metaphors], but the time is coming when I will no longer teach you with veiled speech, but I will teach you about the Father with your eyes unveiled [open]. 26 And I will not need to ask the Father on your behalf, for you’ll ask him directly because of your new relationship with me [in my name]. 27 For the Father tenderly loves you, because you love me and believe that I’ve come from God. 28 I came to you sent from the Father’s presence, and I entered into the created world, and now I will leave this world and return to the Father’s side.”
29 His disciples said, “At last you’re speaking to us clearly and not using veiled speech and metaphors! 30 Now we understand that you know everything there is to know, and we don’t need to question you further. And everything you’ve taught us convinces us that you have come directly from God!”
31 Jesus replied, “Now you finally believe in me. 32 And the time has come when you will all be scattered, and each one of you will go your own way, leaving me alone! [fulfillment of Zechariah 13:7]. Yet I am never alone, for the Father is always with me. 33 And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” [taken power back; cannot defeat us]
Prayer: Lord, thank you for everything you have provided, so I can join you in your mission to redeem the world. I am filled with gratitude, praise, and a willing heart. May I live confidently, courageously, and ready to conqueror the spiritual battles before me in the power of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.