Day 19: John 16
In John 16 Jesus continues his farewell to his disciples as he approaches his crucifixion. In this chapter Jesus talks about the work of the Holy Spirit, how the disciples’ grief will turn to joy, and his victory over the world. There is a lot to take in from this one chapter!
We can tell in the chapter that the disciples were pretty uncertain about what was going to happen. In verse 17 it says:
At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?”
We know the end of the story, and so we read this passage with the whole bible in mind, but the disciples were hearing this for the first time, and probably had little idea what Jesus was talking about, even though Jesus had talked about it before. Jesus was pre- warning them that he was leaving, and that things were going to be different. He was alerting them that things would not be the same.
How often is life like this for us? A little uncertain, as we look forward, knowing change is coming. Perhaps for you, you are contemplating what the next few weeks will entail, as schools begin to return, and people get back into their usual routines, albeit in a socially distant way.
I love that Jesus knew the disciples would have questions and his priority is to reassure them! Although they will feel grief and sadness, he gives them hope and he tells them that their grief will turn to joy.
There was a reason why Jesus had to die on the cross. They may not have seen the reason then, but it was made clear later. So often we don’t know why things happen but we need to trust the God who does know.
Do you need a fresh sense of joy in this season? If so, you need to understand that this only comes from God, and if we ask him, he will give it to us.
Chapter 16 ends with a great verse that I think is a brilliant daily declaration for us in this season (verse 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.
Today, my prayer is that you will take heart, find courage, live in peace, because Jesus has already gone before us and overcome.
Ps Hannah Hoyle
Bishop Auckland Campus Pastor