Speaking Clearly
Opening Prayer
Lord, Your peace sustains me in a turbulent world.
Read 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. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now 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.”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
How far are you able to let the Father and Son’s abiding love for you give you peace?
Think Further
The commitment of both Father and Son to each believer is a wonderful thing. Whatever happens, they promise love, companionship and peace. These truths are emphasized in this passage, and they form the basis for the confidence that each believer has. The themes are not new. Today’s verses are full of echoes of what Jesus said in chapter 14. Verse 26 mirrors 14:13, 14; verse 28 mirrors 14:12, 28; verse 33 mirrors 14:27, 30. Thus these verses conclude chapters 14–16 very aptly. Jesus underscores his desire for the disciples to understand fully what he is saying, even if some of his comments have at times puzzled them.
What is the disciples’ position at this point? Will their faith sustain them as their Lord faces death? Jesus reassures them that they will be able to pray in his name (26; cf. John 14:13,14; 15:16; 16:23,24). They have the added assurance that the Father himself loves them because of their love for Jesus and their belief that he came from God (27,28). Jesus’ plain and direct speaking is a source of deepened faith and assurance for the disciples (30). Jesus wants them to be encouraged, but also realistic—they will be scattered (32). All is not lost, however. Jesus has overcome the world (33) and knows that the Father is with him (32)—this unity of Father and Son is the basis for
our absolute confidence. Moreover, his triumph against all forces of evil, through his death and resurrection, is a victory that his followers will share also. The struggle for those who participate in Jesus’ ministry will be rigorous and often dark, but overcoming is ultimately guaranteed. In the midst of the battle, the gift of peace as we stand with Jesus, the Supreme Overcomer, assures us of the victory.
Apply
Consider times when you struggle to live the Christian life, when it seems futile and so much seems against you. How does it help to know that Jesus has overcome?
Closing prayer
Lord, You said that in this world we would have trouble. Thank You for helping me overcome the world’s resistance against me.
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