July 21, 2015
Scripture Reading: John 16:25-33
25 “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.26In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.27No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.28I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
29Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”
31 “Do you now believe?”Jesus replied. 32“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Questions for Reflection:
Jesus gathered his disciples on the night that he would be arrested and taught them plainly. He teaches them that God the Father loves them (v. 27). He teaches them about where he was going (v. 28). As he spoke, their understanding changed and they fully embraced who He was.
Jesus had a motive for speaking so clearly to his disciples. In verse 33, what did he say was his goal in telling them these things? He reminded them that “in the world you will have trouble.” The reality of the fallen nature of our world means that there will always be trouble and struggles. As Christians, we need to give people permission to have problems. At the same time we need to remember the greater message. How did Jesus say that we could take heart? What truth did he remind his disciples of that should encourage you as well? Whatever struggle you are facing, whatever challenge lies before you, remember that he has overcome the world…and he is with you today.