John 16:12-33 So Much More to Say REVIEW: We are in the last 24 hrs. of Jesus life These are the last recorded teachings of Jesus Chapter 17 Jesus recorded prayer to the Father. After that, his arrest, trial and crucifixion No other portion of the Gospels parallel John s writings here (Chapters 13-16) John recorded Jesus last 24 hours in such detail that if the rest of his Gospel documenting Jesus 3 ½ years of ministry were recorded in this much detail it would take up 15X the space of our entire bible In these 4 chapters John records Jesus teachings on such important topic as heaven, service, love, the most in depth teachings from Jesus on the Holy Spirit In these chapters we are charged to Abide in Him (15), We are warned that the world will be hostile to us if we follow Him (16) Be forewarned They are grieved because Jesus is speaking of leaving them. But He promises that it is best if He leaves (16:17) 16:8-11 The Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness & judgment Page 1 of 7
We can tell the world the truth, but only the Holy Spirit can break through and convict them of the truth We can bring Christ to men. But only the Holy Spirit can bring men to Christ. Only the Holy Spirit can convict the world of their SIN and need for a Savior. Only Jesus is RIGHTEOUS The devil and his work has been JUDGED at the cross V:12 I still have many things to say to you Jesus frankly admitted that His own teaching was incomplete, and anticipated the further instruction of the church by the Holy Spirit This statement of Jesus leads us to anticipate the formation of the New Testament Jesus Himself refutes those who say, "I'll take what Jesus taught, but not what Paul or the others taught." Paul and the other New Testament writers taught us the many things that Jesus spoke of. V:13 Do you know there is a such things as truth? The Holy Spirit will teach us the truth that matters Man s sinful condition Our need for a Savior The death, burial and resurrection Page 2 of 7
Today higher education is teaching that there is no truth! (DISCUSS) No absolute truth o What s true to you might not be true to me o Aren t you glad the people who built your house / car didn t think like that? The devil wants you to believe this lie about spiritual things (no truth) But a child of God can know with absolute certainty the truths of God. And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:11-13, NKJV. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him. John 14:6, 7, NKJV. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. John 17:17 And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. 1 John 5:6b, NKJV. V:13 He will guide you (We sure need that!) He will get His Intel directly from the Father He will tell you things to come He will glorify Jesus (14) Page 3 of 7
V:14-15 He will take from the truth (Jesus) and bring it to us V:16 A little while (7X in V:16-19) V:17 SEE me (word play) (2 different see ) Not SEE me = Gaze upon me i.e. spectator You will SEE me Gaze with wide - open eyes V:18-19 BTW If you have questions, ask Jesus He already knows you re confused V:20 Two applications: 1. His death & resurrection 2. The Day of Pentecost V:21-22 Read & comment There are many things in the natural world like this No pain, no gain But there are many more spiritual applications Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11, 12, NKJV. By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26, NKJV. Page 4 of 7
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18, NKJV. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18, NKJV. V:23 Another word play Ask (EXPLAIN) ASK me (ero tao ) = Questions ASK the Father (aiteo ) = beg, desire, request V:24 Jesus is actually saying here that prayer will lead to joy (Answered prayer ) Again, remember the first application is to the Apostles and then to us Remember that the Holy Spirit not only guides to all truth but also assists us in our praying The Spirit also helps us in our present limitations. For example, we do not know how to pray worthily, but his Spirit within us is actually praying for us in those agonising longings which cannot find words. He who knows the heart s secrets understands the Spirit s intention as he prays according to God s will for those who love. Moreover we know that to those who love God, who are called according to his plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. Romans 8:26-28, Phil. V:25-27 More insight from the Greek For the Father Himself loves you phileo Page 5 of 7
Friendship love friendly affection We would expect God to agape us That s who He is (1John 4:8 & 16) But there s a big difference between loving someone and liking them If you are Jesus friend, you are God s friend and He actually LIKES you (fond affection) All because of your faith in Christ! Believed (27b) V:28-31 Do you now believe? (Really now?) NLT Do you finally believe? But just like us, they would continue to grow in faith. We must continue to have our faith stretched (NKJV SB) We continue in the Christian life the same way we begin, by believing in Jesus. The more we learn of Christ, the more we have to believe. The more we place our trust in Jesus, the more we receive. The more we receive, the more we can accomplish for His glory V:32 Jesus warns & prepares them for what s coming so that they will not be caught off guard and stumble in their faith (16:1) Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me This will also change briefly for our sake My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Page 6 of 7
Matthew 27:46, NKJV. V:33 The spiritual condition of the Christian..Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33, NLT. I have told you all this so that you may find your peace in me. You will find trouble in the world--but, never lose heart, I have conquered the world! John 16:33, Phil. Call to Christ / Prayer END Page 7 of 7