1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?
6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
23 And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.
26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you:
27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.
30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?
32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John Chapter 16 is a part of the Farewell Discourse of Jesus, where He prepares His disciples for His impending departure, His death, and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The chapter begins with Jesus warning His disciples about the persecutions they will face in the world, but also assuring them about the coming of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. The chapter concludes with Jesus' assurance of His victory over the world.
John 16 begins with Jesus telling His disciples about the persecutions they will face because of their faith in Him. He says, "They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service." (John 16:2). Jesus forewarns them about the tribulations they will face, but He assures them that He tells them these things so they will not be caught off guard or stumble in their faith.
This warning serves as a reminder to all believers of the cost of following Jesus. The disciples, and by extension all Christians, are called to a life of sacrifice, enduring persecution for the sake of the Gospel. However, this persecution is not meaningless, but is part of the path of faithfulness to Jesus and the truth of His message.
In the midst of the foreboding warning, Jesus offers a promise of comfort in the form of the Holy Spirit, whom He refers to as the Advocate, or the Helper. He says, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you." (John 16:7). Jesus assures His disciples that His departure is not a cause for despair, but rather, it is necessary for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is described as the one who will guide them into all truth and declare to them the things that are to come (John 16:13). The Spirit's role is not only to comfort the disciples but also to convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). The promise of the Holy Spirit signifies the continuous presence of God among His people, guiding them, empowering them, and reminding them of Jesus' teaching.
In the concluding part of John 16, Jesus assures His disciples of His victory over the world. He acknowledges their sorrow over His departure but promises them joy that no one can take away. He says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." (John 16:20).
Jesus uses the metaphor of a woman in labor to illustrate the disciples' present sorrow and the joy that will follow. The pain is temporary, but the birth of new life brings joy that overshadows the previous anguish. Similarly, the disciples' grief will turn into joy with the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus concludes the chapter by declaring His victory over the world, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). This is a powerful affirmation of Jesus' authority and victory over the powers of the world. It is an assurance that despite the tribulations the disciples will face, they can have peace in Jesus because He has conquered the world.
The message of John 16 can be encapsulated in three main themes: the cost of discipleship, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of Jesus' victory over the world. These themes provide a deep insight into the nature of Christian life and faith.
The cost of discipleship is evident in Jesus' warning about the persecutions that His followers will face. This is not a deterrent, but rather a call to steadfastness and faithfulness amidst trials. The promise of the Holy Spirit underscores God's commitment to His people, assuring them of His continuous presence, guidance, and empowerment. The assurance of Jesus' victory over the world provides hope and courage to face the tribulations of the world with the confidence that in Jesus, we have peace.
The chapter concludes with a powerful affirmation of Jesus' victory over the world, a reminder of the triumphant hope that believers have in Him. Despite the trials and tribulations that they may face, believers can take heart in the knowledge that Jesus has overcome the world, and in Him, they too are victorious.
In conclusion, John Chapter 16 is a profound chapter that speaks of the cost of discipleship, the promise of the Holy Spirit, and the assurance of Jesus' victory over the world. It serves as a reminder to all believers of the trials they may face for their faith, the comfort and guidance they have in the Holy Spirit, and the victorious hope they have in Jesus Christ.
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