John Lesson 24 – John 18:28 – 19:1-16

Last time we saw Judas’ betrayal with Jesus being arrested, questioned and tried before Annas and Caiaphas.  We saw Peter deny knowing Jesus three different times just as Jesus predicted.

John 18:28-40 – Jesus Questioned

The Jews didn’t have the right of capital punishment so they took Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate.  Pilate had the authority to execute criminals.  It was early morning and the Jews wanted to avoid ceremonial uncleanness so they didn’t enter the palace since they wanted to be able to eat the Passover.  Jewish Law didn’t allow them to enter a Gentile’s house or they would become unclean.  So Pilate came out to meet them.

The Jewish leaders had it all wrong.  They looked at cleanliness as what was on the outward appearance.  A person is unclean by what is in their heart and out of their heart comes evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.  These things make a person unclean.  What actually makes a person clean is confessing their sins to God.  Then He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse a person from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).

Pilate asked Jesus if He was the king of the Jews.  Jesus asked why he asked this question.  Being a king had different meanings for different people.  The Romans chose themselves to be kings.  A king for Jewish leaders could have meant a leader of their religion – the Messiah.  Jesus didn’t deny that He was King, but Jesus was not the kind of king Pilate was referring.  He was not a king of a physical county.  He was King over everyone who believed in Him.  He is our King and everyone who obeys Him belongs to His kingdom. 

Why did Pilate ask Jesus these 7 questions of Jesus?  First, I think Pilate was looking for a way to not crucify Jesus.  Also these questions affirm for us Jesus’ identity as God’s only Son, the incarnate Lord.  These questions are for us as we consider our own life of faith and what we believe.

Jesus told Pilate that He was not the king of this world and that His kingdom was from another place.  Jesus said He was a king and that is why He was born to come into the world to testify to the truth.  Pilate missed the opportunity to recognize Jesus as the Son of God.  Pilate asked what is truth.  Then Pilate went out to the Jews and said he could find no reason to charge Jesus, but it was the custom to release one prisoner at the time of the Passover.  He asked, “Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?  The crowd shouted, “No, not him!  Give us Barabbas!” – John 18:39-40.

Pilate announced that Jesus was not guilty and was willing to let Him go, but the Jews refused and wanted Barabbas to go free instead.  Barabbas was a robber and a murderer.  He deserved punishment.  We are all like Barabbas.  We all deserve God’s punishment because of our sins, but Jesus has taken our punishment.  His death has freed us from the results of our sins.

What is the truth?  It is more than what is morally right or wrong.  It means everything that is true about the nature of God and of men.  It is about why we exist.  It is about God’s plans and purpose on our behalf.  Jesus showed this truth to us by His life, death and resurrection.  The Bible says the Word of God is truth and the Spirit of God is truth.

Who have you crucified today?

Who will you forgive today?

We all have choices to make in this life.  Jesus chose to obey and go voluntarily to His death for us.  He remained in control through it all.  Peter chose fear and doubt, but was restored later and repented.  The soldiers chose to have clouded minds and follow false leaders.  Annas chose to put himself above the law and use his power.  He chose not to believe who Jesus was.  Caiaphas chose to bring false witnesses to convict Jesus.  Pilate chose to not stand up to the Jewish leaders for what was right.  The people chose to be irresponsible and blinded to the truth.  God holds each one of us responsible for our choices.  We either trust or reject Jesus, the Son of God.

Principle:  You have a choice: You can reject Christ, but as King He calls you to trust Him as Savior and Lord.

John 19:1-16 – Jesus Sentenced

Pilate had Jesus flogged.  The soldiers made a crown of thorns and placed it on His head.  They clothed Him in a purple robe and shouted at Him over and over again, “Hail, king of the Jews!” – John 19:3.  They struck Him in the face. 

Flogging was a dreadful kind of torture.  Some even died during flogging before they were ever crucified.  Pilate thought by flogging Jesus if would satisfy His accusers.  Soldiers would whip the prisoner with a long leather strap studded with bits of lead and bone tearing the flesh to pieces.

Pilate brought Jesus out to the people and once again he told them he could find no charge against Him.  The chief priests and officials shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” – John 19:6.  Pilate said to take Him and crucify Him and that he found no basis for a charge against Him.  The Jews insisted that according to the law he must die, because He claimed to be the Son of God.

Pilate became afraid.  He didn't want to offend them fearing they would report him to Rome.  He was also a superstitious Roman that believed the gods came to earth and they must be treated well or life would be made miserable for him.  Even his wife said to have nothing to do with this innocent man, because of a dream she had. (Matt.  27:19).  So Pilate questioned Jesus again asking Him where He was from, but Jesus didn’t answer.  This angered Pilate telling Jesus that he had the authority to free or to crucify Him.

Jesus told Pilate that he had no power over Him.  Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews keep shouting, “Crucify Him!” – John 19:15.  He knew Jesus was innocent, but he was afraid of the Jews.  He made the choice to deliver Jesus to be crucified.

Pilate was arrogant, weak, and a self-serving man.  He wasn’t a strong or wise leader.  He was a people-pleaser.  He didn’t have anything against Jesus.  He knew Jesus was innocent.  If he let Jesus go free, it would anger the crowd even more and it might cost him his job.  He was out for his own interests.  He compromised his integrity to save his career.  He feared man more than God.

When we live to please everyone so we can get ahead, we’re always fearful.  We don’t want to offend people.  It might get back to the boss.  Sometime we fear God’s judgment, because we don’t always live up to God’s standards.  When we put trust in Jesus as our Savior, we don’t need to fear people or God’s judgment.  We need to trust that He has forgiven us through Jesus’ death on the cross.  “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” – Rom. 8:1

Are you a people pleaser?

When and how have you comprised your integrity?

How can you speak the truth so others will listen?

Jesus was spit on, hit in the face, scourged, wore a crown of thorns, mocked and unjustly crucified.  He could have called 12 legions of angels and destroyed His persecutors.  But He didn’t.  He bore all the abuse for all sinners.  We wore the crown of thorns so we could wear a crown of glory.  He was clothed in a robe of shame so we could be spotless and stand before God in white robes.  He bore contempt so we could receive praise and glory.

Principles:  God is always in control and overrules man’s evil schemes.

Next week we will continue our study in John 19.  Have a blessed day.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below. 

Resources:

The Holy Bible NIV

Bsfinternational.org

Bibleref.org

Enduringword.com

John Lesson 23 – John 18:1-27

 

Last time we read the prayers of Jesus before He was arrested.  These are often called the High Priestly prayers.  He prayed for Himself to be glorified.  He prayed for His disciples.  He prayed for all believers, then and in the future.  He prayed that we glorify Him in all we do and for us to live in unity. 

John 18:1-14 – Jesus Arrested

Jesus had prepared Himself for the events to come by praying for Himself, His disciples, and for all believers.  After Jesus finished praying He and His disciples crossed over the Kidron Valley and entered the Garden of Gethsemane where He and His disciples often went.  Judas knew this place.  Judas went to Gethsemane with a detachment of soldiers (about 600 men) and officials from the chief priests and Pharisees.  They came with torches and weapons.  The other gospels tell us that Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss to let the officials know which one to arrest.  Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen.  Dear friend, He knows exactly what is happening in your life, too.  He knows if there is a Judas betraying you.  Remember God knows everything.  He has a plan and is always in control.

Jesus was calm and protected His disciples by walking right up to them asking them who they were looking for even though He already knew.  They replied that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth.  Jesus answered, “I am He.” – John 18:5.  Notice here is another “I Am”.  They then fell backwards to the ground.  This is very interesting.  The enemies of God always fall backwards, but the friends of God always fall forward on their faces.  This shows the authority and power of Jesus.

Jesus didn’t retaliate, but took the initiative and greeted His persecutors.  He commanded the soldiers to let His disciples go because it was Him they wanted.  Jesus was in complete control of His arrest and death.  He was not a tragic victim.  He was the Good Shepherd who willingly laid down His life for His sheep.

Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant cutting off his ear.  Jesus told Peter to put his sword away.  Luke 22 tells us that Jesus touched the man’s ear and healed him.  Jesus said, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” – John 18:11.  Jesus willing took the cup of God’s wrath for us.  He willing spared us from the punishment we deserve.

Then a detachment of solders with its commander and Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They must have been really afraid of Jesus and thought He was really dangerous if it took that many men to arrest one man.  They took Him to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was the high priest.  Was Jesus powerless at this point?  Of course not!  He is God.  “Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than 12 legions of angels?  But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” – Matt. 26:53-54. 

Jesus chose to be arrested and suffer the cross to save us instead of saving Himself.  He was willing and submissive.  He wants the same willing submission for us.  He gave us an example to follow.  As Christians we will be falsely accused, hated, and judged.  We are to be more like Jesus by allowing ourselves to suffer and be crucified for doing the right thing instead of lashing out at some false accusations others might bring upon us.  This way you are showing your accusers God’s love for them giving them opportunity for healing.  Just as we were healed by Christ’s wounds, others will be healed by your wounds.  “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats.  Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.  He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:23-24

How are you choosing to be a victim in your circumstances?

Have you ever been falsely accused?

Do you handle it by lashing out?

What is keeping you from trusting God?

Why would these Jewish leaders reject Jesus as their Messiah and want to kill Him since they knew the Scriptures and the Old Testament prophesies?  Jesus didn’t fit into the image they had for a Messiah.  They couldn’t see Him as a servant.  They heard His teaching and even saw His miracles.  Their comfortable power and prestige was threatened.  They loved their places of honor.   They rejected Him and stirred up others against Him.  Jesus knew the root of their problem, which was pride.  Jesus always looks at the heart not outward religious performances.  He exposed their sinful hearts. 

Judas in not mentioned in this gospel again.  We know from other Scriptures that he committed suicide because he realized what he had done, but he never truly repented. 

We can trust Jesus because He is Lord.  We can trust Him for our salvation.  We can trust Him when we go through troubles.  He is Lord over every situation in our lives, even our own death.  We can trust that He is in control! 

Principle:  Jesus is Lord over everything, including His death.

John 18:15-27 – Peter’s Denial

Peter and another disciple followed Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard.  As he was standing around a fire with the others to keep warm, a girl saw Peter and asked if he was the one who was with Jesus.  He said that he was not.  Peter blatantly denies being a disciple of Jesus.  Remember Jesus had told him before that he would deny Him 3 times before the rooster crowed.  How quickly our flesh can change when faced with fear and doubt.

They brought Jesus first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas the high priest.  Annas questioned Him, which was against Jewish law.  Jesus said He had done nothing in secret and had always done things legally and that he should not be asking Him questions.  All of his examination failed; Jesus never had any hope of a just trial.  Then an officer struck Him.  Jesus was then taken to Caiaphas.  Everything they did at the trials of Jesus was illegal.

Again while Peter was warming himself, he was asked if he was Jesus’ disciples.  He denied it again.  That’s the 2^nd denial Jesus predicted.  Then another challenged Peter and asked if he had seen him in the grove with Jesus.  Peter denied it again.  That’s the 3^rd denial.  Then the rooster crowed.  Luke 22 tells us that Peter remembered what Jesus had said.  Then he went out and wept bitterly. 

We see the contrast between Jesus and Peter - Jesus in His strength and Peter in his weakness.  Jesus gained strength through prayer, but Peter along with the other disciple fell asleep in the garden instead of praying.  Trusting in our own commitment and devotion to Jesus is a sure way to fail Him.  Proverbs 16:18 tells us that pride goes before a fall.  2 Corinthians 12:10 tells us that when we are weak, then we are strong.  When we know this, then we trust in the Lord and His strength.  Prayer gives us strength to deal with life issues and hard times.  Jesus wants us to come to Him in all things for guidance and strength.

Still Jesus in His infinite love didn’t forsake Peter.  After the resurrection, He still loved and forgave him.  Those that had heard Jesus’ prediction also heard of Peter’s failure.  They probably never let him forget.  In Acts 2 we see that through Peter’s message at Pentecost 3,000 were saved.  That’s 1,000 for every three times he denied Jesus.

We all fail is some way, but our failures are not as well-known as Peters.  We’ve all denied Jesus in some way.  We fail to recognize our own weakness and trust in ourselves instead of in the Lord.  We fail to pray as often as we should.  We fail to always depend on the Father.  We fail to fear God more than people.  We can always trust our faithful Savior whenever we fail.

When have you been prone to fail the Lord?

Is your failure like Judas’ betrayal or like Peter’s denial?

How can you prepare so the next time so you will not fail again?

Do you keep account of the failures of others?  We are to love one another and forgive one another just as Jesus loves and forgives us.

Unlike the self-serving high priest Caiaphas, Jesus is our faithful High Priest.  He sacrificed Himself willing for us.  When we fail, we can draw near to Him to find grace to help in our time of need.

Principle:  Even when you fail the Lord, you can trust in our Faithful Savior, who never fails.

Next week we will continue our study of John 18.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below. 

Resources:

The Holy Bible NIV

Bsfinternational.org

Bibleref.org

Enduringword.com

John Lesson 22 – John 17

 

Last time we learned about the work of the Holy Spirit and how the disciples’ grief of Jesus’ death would turn to joy.

In this chapter Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and all believers.  Jesus prayed often, but there are only a few of His prayers recorded.  This is His longest pray.  He prayed for protection, sanctification, and unity.  This would be the night He would be arrested and then He would die on the cross.  This was God’s plan.  Dying on the cross was the only way to save people from their sins.  Then after 3 days He would be alive again defeating death.  All who believe in Him will have new life like Jesus.

John 17:1-5 – Jesus Prays for Glorification

Jesus prayed for God to glorify Him as He glorifies God.  What is glory?  It means to honor, to praise, to exalt, to magnify.  To glorify God is to display His perfect attributes so that others will be in awe at who He is.  It other words, to make Him look good.  Nothing glorifies God like the cross.  It shows God’s supreme power and sovereignty.  It shows His holiness, justice, love, mercy, and grace.

Jesus asked God to glorify Him because He completed the work He was giving to do.  Jesus wanted His death on the cross to reveal God’s character, His victory over death, and then for all people to repent.  He wanted God’s power and plan for salvation to be seen by all.

Believers can glorify God by keeping His commands, obeying His Word, praising Him, producing spiritual fruit, fleeing from sexual immorality, seeking the good of others, giving generously, and living honorable lives.

God gave Jesus the authority to give eternal life.  There is only one way to receive eternal life as Jesus explains it.  “Now this is eternal life:  that they may know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3.  We must know God and His Word, but it’s more than that. 

There is a difference in knowing about Jesus and knowing Him personally.  Even the devil knows God and can quote Scripture.  Lots of people know about Him, but they don’t know His character and don’t follow His ways.  I know about doctors, but that doesn’t make me a doctor.  We must know Him as Friend.  It’s all about a relationship.  We confess our sins to Him and He forgives us.  Then the Holy Spirit comes to live in us to teach and to guide.  Then we have a new life and will live in heaven with Him for eternity.

God sent Jesus into the world.  Jesus could have stayed in heaven, but instead He came to earth and became a servant.  This was God’s plan even before creation.  God loved us so much, but since He is Holy He couldn’t accept our sins.  So He sent Jesus to save people from the penalty of sin.  He was sent to die on the cross for you and me.  He paid the price for our sins.

Jesus prayed for God to glorify Him as He had done before creation.  He was there with God and the Holy Spirit to help in the creation.  He had come to earth as a man and depended on God.  Now He would return to His heavenly position and be our representative before God.  He asked God to glorify Him again for His obedience on the cross.

God the Father shared His glory with Jesus and now Jesus has shared that glory.  He does this in many ways – by His presence, His Word, His Spirit, His power, His leadership, His salvation.

If knowing God through Jesus brings eternal heavenly life, what is keeping you from believing?

How does God have authority over your life?

Principle:  Jesus has authority to give eternal life to all who believe in Him.

John 17:6-19 – Jesus Prays for His Disciples

Jesus prayed for the disciples.  He affirmed that His disciples had obeyed God’s Word.  God gave us to Jesus.  Jesus and the Father are one.  All God has belongs to Jesus and all Jesus has belongs to God.  He loves us so much that He died for us.  He intercedes to the Father for us.  He gave us the Holy Spirit.  Sometimes it’s really hard to comprehend that He values me that much, because I know all my shortcomings, my sinful thoughts, my doubts, my selfishness, my pride.  I could go on and on.

Jesus said His disciples brought Him glory.  How did they do that?  They did that by believing, obeying Him, and accepting Him.  They believed He was sent by God.  We can bring Him glory by believing and following Him daily.  By being an example to the world and sharing the gospel.

In verse 12 Jesus said none of His disciples were lost except the one who was doomed to destruction, meaning Judas.  He wanted the disciples to know that God was in control of the awful event of that night and that evil people can’t stop God’s sovereign purpose;  in fact they inadvertently fulfill it.

Do you believe Jesus loves you?

How does your life bring glory to God?

Jesus prayed that the Father would protect the disciples, because He loved them.  He knew they would be hated and persecuted and even killed.  He wanted them safe from Satan’s influence.  They are in the world, but not of the world.  He prayed for the Father to sanctify them.  Sanctify means to set apart or make holy.  He prayed they would be consecrated for service in the world.  2 Peter 3:11 tells us we ought to live holy and godly lives.

From what dangers do you need to ask for God’s protection?

As believers we are sanctified by truth.  We set ourselves apart from the world and to God as we conform to His standards of holiness.  Before salvation we were separated from God and our actions proved we were sinners.  When God saved us from sin and gave us new life, He justified us meaning that He declared us righteous forever because of Jesus’ atoning death.  Justification is God’s work alone.  Sanctification is a lifelong growth in holiness as we pray, study, worship and serve God.

Principle:  Believers are in the world, but not of this world.

John 17:20-26 – Jesus Prays for Future Believers

As Jesus prayed for His disciple to be unified, He prayed for the unity for all believers; not for unity of Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims.  He prayed for specifically for unity of those who believe in Him.  He prayed that God would join believers together as one just as the Father and Jesus are one.  Ephesians 4:1-6 calls us to be 1 and that there is 1 body, 1 Spirit, 1 hope, 1 Lord, 1 faith, 1 baptism, 1 God and Father for all, who is over all and through all and in all.  We need to stop all the bickering and complaining in our churches and communities and work together in unity.  We all have the same goals and the same mission.

Where is your church divided?

What is keeping you from working toward true unity in your church?

Do you experience oneness with other believers?

Jesus said He has given us the glory that God gave to Him.  He prayed that He wanted believers to be with Him and to see His glory that God has given Him.

Jesus’ prayer revealed His complete dependence on the Father.  He felt a need to talk to God.  Prayer is having a conversation with God.  Talking as well as listening is important.  The Bible says the prayers of the righteous are powerful.  So don’t give up even when you feel discouraged and when your prayers aren’t answered in the way you wanted.  There are different kinds of prayers.  There is corporate prayer, private prayer, quiet prayer, and auditable prayer.  They don’t always produce answers we want or when we want, but they draw do us closer to God.

How often do you pray?

After praying do you take time to listen for God to speak?

How can you pray more for the unsaved?

Principle:  Through prayer believers receive the power, protection, and courage to live God glorifying lives.

Next week we will study John 18.  Until next time, have a blessed day.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.

Resources:

The Holy Bible NIV

Bsfinternational.org

Bibleref.org

Enduringword.com

John Lesson 21 – John 15:26-27 – 16:33

 

Last time we learned that a true follower of Jesus will bear fruit and to bear fruit we must remain in Him.  Jesus told his disciples that they were to love one another and that they should expect persecution from the world.  He knew after He left to return to heaven the disciples would face difficult opposition.  He wanted them to know exactly what to expect and how they should respond.  He is telling them and us this so we won’t stumble.  The closer you are to Jesus, the more the world will hate you.

John 15:26-27 – 16:7 – The Work of the Holy Spirit

Even though Jesus would be leaving the earth, He would not leave the disciples alone.   He would send them another Counselor to be with them.  This is the Holy Spirit.  He told them it was for their own good that He was going and that they would be glad He was going, because the Holy Spirit will come to be with them and guide them in all truth.  This Spirit would convict the world of guilt and sin. 

Jesus could not be everywhere while He was here on earth, but the Holy Spirit can be.  He had to leave because the disciples couldn’t fully understand all that He was teaching.  They also lacked the power the Holy Spirit would bring them.  Only the Holy Spirit can convince people salvation is found in no one else, but Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is our Helper.  He intercedes in prayer for us before the Father.  He helps us remember God’s Word.  He equips all believers.  He convicts the world of sin.  He is the Convicter of sin, righteousness and judgment.  He will guide us to all truth.  He will disclose to us what is to come. 

Convicter of Sin – The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin as well as our attitude toward Christ.  He convicts us that God holds us responsible for that attitude both inward and outward.  He convicts the stubborn attitude of unbelief and that it’s a choice of darkness rather than light.  “Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” – John 3:19.

How has the Holy Spirit convicted you of a sin?

Convicter of Righteousness – “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him”. – 2 Cor. 5:21.  Jesus is the standard for righteousness.  He never sinned and always obeyed God.  He is the only one who could die in the place of sinners.  God put His stamp of approval on Him and returned Him to sit on His right hand.  He makes everyone righteous who believes in Him.

Has the Holy Spirit ever convinced you of the righteousness of Jesus and that by His death and resurrection He secured that righteousness for you?

Convicter of Judgment – Satan is the ruler of the world, but he was judged at the cross.  He is doomed.  He still roams around trying to tempt and deceive.  He and his subjects will be judged at the final ultimate judgment and be thrown into the Lake of Fire.  Believers will not be judged.  “He who believes in Him is not condemned; he who does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” – John 3:18. 

If you are not a believer, has the Holy Spirit ever convinced you that you are under the same judgment as Satan?

Jesus described the persecution the disciples would face.  They would be put out of the synagogue; a time would come when anyone killing them would think they are giving an offering and service to God.

The key to enduring persecution is to expect it.  Be prepared and trust in Jesus.  He knows the future and the trials we will face.  He warns us in advance so we will trust Him.  We are not to focus on our feelings and needs, but focus on Jesus’ glory and in spreading the gospel.  Even in persecution His glory should be our aim.

In John 16:5-7 Jesus told them it was for their good that He is going away. Unless He goes, the Counselor won’t come to them.  When He comes He will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23.  “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” – Romans 3:119-20.  “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” – John 3:36

When He said ‘the world’, He meant all unbelievers.  The root of their sin is they do not believe in Jesus.  They will not only realize their sins, but they will realize who Jesus is and that they will perish if they don't believe in Him.

John 16:12-15 - The Holy Spirit will help believers by guiding them into all truth – that is spiritual truth.  He will bring glory not to Himself, but to Christ.  All things that are of the Father belong to Jesus.  The Holy Spirit teaches and reveals the meaning of Scripture to believers the way Jesus would.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:26

Principle:  The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity and is our Comforter, Counselor, Convicter, Helper, Intercessor and guides us to all truth.

John 16:16-33 – Grief Will Turn to Joy

Jesus told the disciples that in a little while they would not see Him anymore.  This confused the disciples.  Jesus knew their thoughts.  He knew there would be sorrow and joy over the next 3 days.  He would be arrested, falsely accused and tortured.  They would watch Him die.  They would spend the next days in fear and hiding, but in 3 days they would rejoice like never before.  They would see Him alive again.  Jesus uses a woman in childbirth as an example.  She is in pain while giving birth, but when the baby is born all the pain is gone and there is joy for the birth of her child.  

In John 16:22 He warned them that sorrow is on the way, it will be intense, and it is coming soon.  What He meant was He will be dead, but their sorrow will be short because He will rise again.  They would experience sorrow, but it will turn into joy and no one would be able to take that away.

Jesus promised them when they pray they were to ask the Father in Jesus’ name.  When they do this they will receive what they ask and their joy will be complete.  The Father loves them because they have loved Jesus and have believed He came from God.  By praying in Jesus’ name it shows we come to the Father because of Jesus and God will treat us as His own Son.  We come in the authority and power of Jesus, because of the salvation we have in Jesus.

Now, finally the disciples think they understand.  Jesus said “you believe at last”, but the time is coming when they will run away in fear.  Still Jesus loved them and will never forsake them.  The same is true for us.  We may run from God, but He still loves us.  We are not to be afraid of the world and all its troubles.  Jesus Christ has overcome the world.  The Father is with Jesus and Jesus is always with us. 

He told them these things so they would have peace even though they will have troubles in this world.  The peace he’s talking about is peace and less worries about our security in our salvation.  He not only promised peace and joy but -  “In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

What circumstances in your life test your commitment to follow Jesus?

How has Jesus comforted you in a time of trouble?

How does your life show joy that no circumstance or person can take you away from the   joy of the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit reveals the truth.  No one can be neutral.  Either Jesus, the Prince of Peace rules your life or the prince of this world, Satan rules your life.  We all have a choice.  Do you believe Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God was sent by God or not?  Where will you spend eternity?

Principle:  Jesus has overcome the world!

Next week we will study John 17.  Have a blessed day. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

____________________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below. 

Resources:

The Holy Bible NIV

Bsfinternational.org

Bibleref.org

Enduringword.com