THE LORD’S PARTING INTERACTION WITH HIS DISCIPLES BEFORE HIS DEATH Part 2

JOHN 16:23-33

THREE CONCLUDING PROMISES TO THE DISCIPLES 16:23-27a

1. The Promise of Spiritual  Understanding 23a

“In that day you will not question Me about anything,” must refer to the coming of the Spirit of Truth. John 16:13

The disciples would at long last understand why Jesus had to die. His relationship with the Father would be clarified, and they would realize why it was to their advantage for Him to go away and send the Spirit.

The agent of Christ’s further revelation to the disciples would be the Spirit of truth. 1 Peter 1:21

2. The Promise of Answered Prayer and Joy 23b-24

To pray in Jesus name is to pray for that which is consistent with Christ’s person and will, and to affirm one’s complete dependence on Him to supply every need, with the goal that He would be glorified in the answer.

The desire of Jesus is that His followers experience full joy even in the midst of great sorrow and hardship; a joy, as Peter describes, which cannot be explained in human terms.  1 Peter 1:8

3. The Promise to Make Known the Father and His Love for Them 25-27a

The disciples before the cross were unable to fully grasp the profound significance of the Son’s work of redemption. Nor did they comprehend the depth of the Father’s love for them expressed in sending His Son to die for their sins. Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:10

The full privilege believers have is that of making their requests directly to the Father consistent with the will of the Son. They have that privilege because the Father loves them because they have loved His Son.

The Greek word for “love” here is phileō, which is the love of deep, caring affection, as with parents toward children, children toward parents, friends toward friends, and believers toward Jesus their Lord, Savior and Friend.

THE DISCIPLES BELIEF AND THE LORD’S RESPONSE 16:27b-32

The Disciples’ Belief 16:27b

The belief of the disciples that Jesus came from the Father into the world expresses one of the central doctrines of the Christian faith. To say that Jesus came forth from the Father is to affirm that in the beginning He was with the Father and was Himself equal with the Father.  John 5:21-24

The entire New Testament reiterates the truth that Christ came into the world to accomplish the Father’s plan of redemption in saving lost sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15

The disciples’ confident assertion, “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”, is far more than an affirmation of their appreciation for the Lord’s teaching. It is nothing less than a full affirmation of Christ’s deity and His place in the Godhead.

The Lord’s Response

Knowing the disciples’ hearts, Jesus answered them with a question, “Do you now believe?” Jesus’ question underscores that while the disciples’ faith was genuine, it was still immature.

After the Spirit came, the disciples would courageously proclaim the truth about Jesus Christ even though it would cost them their lives.

Although the disciples would leave Jesus alone by Himself to endure the suffering of the cross, the Father was with Him, except at the moment He bore the sins of those the Father had given Him.

THE LORD’S PARTING WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT 16:33

The unbelieving world’s hatred for Christ would carry over to His followers in every age until Jesus returned for the church.

Still, in the midst of tribulation, the Lord promises His followers enduring peace. Thus, Jesus tells them to take courage because He has overcome the world. Luke 12:4-5

Jesus has overcome this sinful world and will one day destroy it with fire along with the ruler of this world and all those who have loved and lived for the things of this world.  John 12:31; 2 Peter 3:10; 1 John 2:16

And this is the will of God that you believe and obey His Son, turning from your sin to follow Him through the narrow gate and on the narrow way that leads to life. Does that describe you this morning?