John 16
John 16 is part of Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples. It is structured around a scene in which He comforts them and plants new hope in them during the moments of suffering and parting. This chapter can be divided into warnings about persecution (verses 1–4), the coming of the Holy Spirit and His role (verses 5–15), parting for a little while and joy (verses 16–24), and declarations of faith and victory (verses 25–33).
1verse“I have said these things to you so that you wouldn’t be caused to stumble.
2verseThey will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God.
3verseThey will do these things because they have not known the Father nor me.
4verseBut I have told you these things so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.
5verseBut now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
6verseBut because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart.
7verseNevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
8verseWhen he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;
9verseabout sin, because they don’t believe in me;
10verseabout righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more;
11verseabout judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.
12verse“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.
13verseHowever, when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.
14verseHe will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine and will declare it to you.
15verseAll things that the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he takes of mine and will declare it to you.
16verse“A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me.”
17verseSome of his disciples therefore said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;’ and, ‘Because I go to the Father’?”
18verseThey said therefore, “What is this that he says, ‘A little while’? We don’t know what he is saying.”
19verseTherefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, “Do you inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’?
20verseMost certainly I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
21verseA woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn’t remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world.
22verseTherefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
23verse“In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
24verseUntil now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.
25verse“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
26verseIn that day you will ask in my name; and I don’t say to you that I will pray to the Father for you,
27versefor the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came from God.
28verseI came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”
29verseHis disciples said to him, “Behold, now you are speaking plainly, and using no figures of speech.
30verseNow we know that you know all things, and don’t need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.”
31verseJesus answered them, “Do you now believe?
32verseBehold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33verseI have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
A Warning and Comfort Regarding Persecution
Jesus warns His disciples in advance that they will face persecution in the world ahead (verses 1–4). This is so that His disciples will not stumble amid sudden trials, but will be prepared beforehand. At the same time, Jesus encourages them not to be afraid or discouraged because of this fact.
The Coming of the Holy Spirit and His Ministry
In the central part of this chapter, verses 5–15 explain the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will come after Jesus departs. The Advocate will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and will guide the disciples into all truth by making known what belongs to Jesus. This section emphasizes that the disciples will not be left without divine help.
Parting for a Little While and Everlasting Joy
In verses 16–24, Jesus says that after “a little while” they will not see Him, and that they will “a little while” later see Him again. These words imply His death on the cross and His resurrection. The disciples did not understand, but Jesus promises that their sorrow will be turned into joy. It is the part in which He promises new joy and assurance that will come after a short time of suffering.
Assurance of Faith and the Promise of Peace
In verses 25–33, it mentions that the disciples gradually come to understand Jesus’ words, and it emphasizes that in the end they will receive the privilege and grace to ask God directly. Finally, Jesus proclaims, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” This symbolically represents the peace and boldness of the saints that come through Jesus’ victory.
Meditation Points
- As you meditate, consider why Jesus told His disciples about suffering and persecution in advance.
- Think about how the role of the Holy Spirit (the Advocate) is related to my life of faith.
- Reflect on what the promise that a brief sorrow will turn into joy means for me today.
Apply It to Yourself
- Even in the difficult moments of life, look back on yourself so that you can trust the Lord’s words and the help of the Holy Spirit and live boldly.
- Remember Jesus’ promise to give peace even in tribulation, and think about specific practices you can carry out in everyday life to enjoy that peace.