“A Journey with John” Day 26: If He doesn’t leave, the Helper can’t come (John 16:1-33)
Last time, we listened in on a continuing conversation in which Jesus is telling the disciples things they need to know before He departs. In this part of the discussion, Jesus explained that He is the true vine, and as the branches, they must be vitally connected to Him, or they will have no fruit. Jesus told His disciples that the Spirit of truth, will testify to them about Him, so that they, in turn, can testify of Jesus.
Since we were introduced to no new people last time, let’s jump right into today’s excursion. From what I understand, Jesus will be giving His disciples more information they need to know before His departure.
As we enter today’s scene, Jesus is emphasizing that the information He is giving the disciples, is to keep them from stumbling. He warns them that they will be rejected and that people will even think they’re doing God a favor by killing them. He says people will be doing these things, because they really don’t know Him; and they really don’t know the Father. Jesus then points out the fact that He sees that they are sorrowful, and encourages them by telling them that if He doesn’t go away, the Helper, the Spirit of truth, will not come. But if He comes, He will speak things to them, explain things to them, that they are not currently able to bear. Jesus then tells them that although they are sorrowful now, He will come back to them, and their joy will be complete: a joy that no one can take from them. He also tells them that they will be able to ask the Father for things in His name, and the Father will do it for them. When the disciples comment that now they truly believe that He is from God, Jesus tells them that actually the time has come that they will go and abandon Him, but that He will not truly be alone, because the Father is always with Him. Going back to the topic of hardships they will face, Jesus says that even though they will have tribulation in this world, He has already overcome the world, therefore they can be at peace.
Our highlighted verses for today:
““These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.” Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””
John 16:1-3, 6-7, 12-13, 16, 22-24, 29-33 NKJV
Question for reflection:
How can people who one minute are saying that they know Jesus came from God, turn around and then abandon Him?
Next time we’re going to have a front row seat for Jesus’ wonderful priestly prayer.