John 16:25-33


John 16:25-33
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but will tell you plainly of the Father. 26 “In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28 “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. 30 “Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 “Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Major changes are about to take place in the lives of the disciples.  The crucifixion, resurrection and ascension are all going to be taking place over the next few days and weeks.  The lives of the disciples are never going to be the same.  As Jesus continues to prepare them for these events, He wants them to understand the trials they will face and the resources they will have.  The presence of Jesus in heaven instead of being with us creates many challenges in our lives.  It is important to remember that this is only a temporary state and that even now He is making provision in our lives.

COMFORT IN THE FATHER’S LOVE: There are many things about the Trinity that are difficult for us to understand.  What we do know is that there is profound love and loyalty between the Father, Son and Spirit.  They are three persons co-equal as one God that live in perfect relationship with one another.  In the midst of all that is happening and will happen in the disciple’s lives, Jesus wants to make sure they understand the message that they are loved by the Father, Son and Spirit.  All who recognize Jesus as the Son of God and trust Him for forgiveness of sin will live forever in the presence of God.  We will understand so much more then as we enjoy participating in the love and loyalty of the Trinity without any of the effects of sin to distract us or diminish our joy.  However, as believers, we have access to God right now through prayer, Scripture and the Spirit’s dwelling in us.  Because the Son is with the Father, the Spirit is with us.  This should be a great comfort to all of us as we struggle through this sinful world.  It should give us great hope as we look forward to joining the joy of the Trinity in an ever-growing way.

CONFIDENCE IN THE DISCIPLE’S MINDS: It is so easy for us to become overconfident and think that we understand everything.  Certainly, we are growing and making progress, but we tend to think every step forward is definitive.  When, in reality, it is one of many steps that we need to take forward.  The disciples respond to the statement Jesus made by assuring Him that they understood His teaching.  They declare that they believe and need no further explanation.  Jesus knows better.  He warns them that there are difficult days ahead.  He lets them know that they will abandon Him and be scattered.  Following Jesus is not easy.  There is always a price to pay that is more than we expected.  We will never “arrive” this side of heaven.  Guard our hearts from overconfidence during times of progress.

COURAGE IN THE LORD’S POWER: Even thought the Lord was abandoned by all the disciples, He was not alone because the Father was with Him.  The tribulation and persecution that will come as a result of following Jesus will not be easy to face.  However, we will not be alone in them.  The Holy Spirit is with us.  He was sent by the Son who is with the Father and has overcome the world.  The power that we have as a result of the Trinity is far greater than any power this world can muster.  This world has no power to influence us outside of this time and place.  No matter how difficult or disastrous this world can be, our eternity with Christ is secure.  Satan and the society in which we live are powerless to impact our eternity if we have trusted Jesus.

APPLICATION: Know that that we are loved by the Father, Son and Spirit.  It is not something we deserve, but is a blessing above any other blessing we could have.  Don’t become overconfident in our understanding of God our commitment to follow Christ.  We are making progress, but we still have very far to go.  No matter what we might face, Jesus is more powerful than any circumstance or trial we will face today or any day.

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