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. John 16:33
I continue my study of John and today I focus on John 16:25-33, where Jesus continues to help the disciples prepare themselves for the crucifixion and how they will be persecuted just as He was. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God loves the disciples and by extension all believers and wants us to know and love Him. He knows they will have sorrow when He goes to the cross, and how they will be scattered (going into hiding for a period to avoid persecution). As Jesus prepares the disciples, He recognizes their growing spiritual maturity and understanding of Him and He addresses them according to this maturity ("no longer speaking in figures of speech" per v25) - this is similar to text in Luke 12:48 where Jesus shares how much more will be expected from those to whom He has given more in terms of leadership, responsibility, etc. God also wants us to grow and make full use of the spiritual gifts He gives us so we should recognize what God is doing in our lives to make more use of our spiritual gifts - see also Hebrews 5:11-6:2. We should all know that God the Father sent Jesus, that He loves us, that Jesus and the Father are One, and that we have access to the Father through Jesus (John 14:6). In v31, Jesus assures the disciples that even though He is going away, He is not alone but will be with the Father - just as He loves us, the disciples love Him and can take comfort in His Word. In vv32-33, Jesus provides both a warning and an additional encouragement that persecution and tribulation are part of the Christian life but that with and through Jesus we have assurance that either in this life or in Heaven we will overcome.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The disciples not only have faith but growing faith and spiritual maturity.The disciples in v29 appreciate that God equips and trains them up - driving spiritual maturity. As one grows, we seek to be treated based on who we are (and as who Jesus expects us to be) not as who we were (spiritually dead).
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid not growing in Christ and not worrying. Claim the promise that with and through Him we will overcome the world just as He did. Follow Jesus' example to do the will of God. Take heart and trust in Him and rest in His promises.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves! You give me assurance that the victory over sin and death is already won! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
