John 16:16-33
Q.1. Why were the disciples puzzled when Jesus said that they would see Him again? How would this impact them and the world? What game-changer did Jesus introduce? – (Jn.16:16-22)
Jesus kept telling His disciples that He was going to die (Mk.8:31; 9:31; 10:32-34). As hard as that was to comprehend, it puzzled them even more when He said that they would see Him again. Why not just stay? The disciples had several blind-spots. (i) They did not realize that their plight was so seriousness, that for them to be saved, Jesus would be required die as the Saviour of the world; (ii) They failed to understand Christ’s teaching about the Holy Spirit; (iii) They did not comprehend that death would be swallowed up in victory, and that they would indeed see Him again after He rose from the dead. Speaking of His death, Jesus felt the mounting opposition. The world would indeed rejoice at His death. The disciples, however, would be filled with grief until Jesus rose from the dead (Jn.16:20). Jesus likened their situation to a woman suffering the pain of childbirth, which would eventually bring about the joy of the arrival of a new child (Jn.16:21). When Jesus promised that He would see them again, everything changed, although His disciples could not yet comprehend the truth – … but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you (Jn.16:22). This is still the basis upon which we are comforted when a believing loved one dies.
Q.2. What are we to make of the promise that Jesus gave regarding prayer? What would change in their relationship with God after His departure? – (Jn.16:23-28)
We often say that there will be lots of questions we will ask when we see the Lord. However, Jesus stated that all such questions will evaporate when we actually see Him in all His triumph. The Gospels reveal that the disciples understood little about prayer (Lk.11:1-4). Those under the Old Covenant often had a distant view of God (Heb.12:18-24). However, all that would change when they saw the confirmation of all Christ’s claims of Sonship, through His Resurrection and Glorification at the Father’s side. They would gain confidence to petition the Father through the Son Whom they had come to know – Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full (Jn.16:24). Knowing the heart and mission of Jesus would shape their prayer petitions to such, that they were asking aright (Jms.4:2-3). Their confusion about their relationship with Jesus when He suffered and died, would be transformed into joy – 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.” (Jn.16:27-28). His prediction fell on deaf ears. However, His ascension into Heaven would change their thinking (Acts 1:9-11)
Q.3. Why did Jesus question their understanding of His explanations? How should we rationalize trials of faith? – (Jn.16:29-33)
The disciples claimed to understand what Jesus was telling them. However, Jesus couldn’t leave them in such a deluded state, since He knew what was coming – Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me (Jn.16:32). His warning would act as a protection against complete despair, when they abandoned Jesus in His hour of need – These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (Jn.16:33). However, this prediction of trials and tribulations flows onto us. We too can take courage, knowing that Christ will ultimately triumph in His Rescue Mission.