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The Gospel of John, The Period of Conference, Conference With the Disciples, Part LIV, John 16:29-33 - Lesson 162
Read Verses John 16:28 for review: I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
John 16:29,30, His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
The knowledge from Jesus Christ that the Father loved the disciples comforted their hearts.
Their Master, in stating that they loved and believed in him, was encouraging to them.
All was not dark sayings to them.
They understood his words regarding the Father's love for them and Christ's acknowledgment that they loved Jesus Christ and believed in Jesus Christ.
He said the the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father.
This was a beginning of him making good that promise of plain instruction and they were encouraged.
Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.
Had he not said in verse 23, And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.
This was a taste of that of verse 23.
They had asked him nothing and yet they were given understanding by him knowing and answering their perplexity with complete authority.
They were getting a glimpse of the future without Jesus Christ on the scene.
They would not be alone because Christ's Spirit would be with them to instruct them in the things of Christ.
You will ask me nothing because you will have the Holy Spirit to illuminate and lead you.
They had said after Jesus Christ instructed them: Now are we sure.
Jesus answered them in John 16:31, Do ye now believe?
Are you so sure?
Be careful lest you stumble over your overconfidence.
He knew that their faith was to be put to the test and their faith would be found wanting.
He knew that Judas was awaiting his role in his death.
He knew that preparations were being put into place that would scatter his disciples to their homes, away from the violence that was to take place.
"Now we are sure" said the disciples but within the hour their small faith would falter and they would desert this one who had so blessed and brightened their lives.
Their faith was genuine but not as strong as the statement Now are we sure, indicated.
They honestly meant what they said but they did not know themselves.
They did not know that their faith would not keep them standing for Christ under the pressure of the fear of men and the strong temptations they were about to face.
They had not rightly estimated the weakness of the flesh and the power of the devil.
They did not realize that there is more to being a soldier than the wearing of the uniform.
They did not consider that the true soldier is revealed in the day of battle.
Now we are sure indicates one who thinketh he standeth not taking heed that he might fall.
Christ tells the truth. He does not cater to their high thoughts of themselves.
He says in John 16:32, Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
Jesus Christ and the Father.
The only ones needed to atone.
All the followers of Jesus Christ would seek their own.
Jesus Christ says, Behold! Pay attention!
Your self confidence will be of no avail.
You will leave me to be about my Father's business.
I do the will of the Father regardless of whether you stand for me or scatter from me.
Each of you will provide for your own safety.
You shall leave me alone but I will not be alone because the Father is with me.
That is all I need and that is all you need.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Jesus Christ ends his discourse to the disciples by driving them to himself.
He does not say that all will turn out alright.
He does not say that they will have peace apart from him.
He says that he has spoken. These things I have spoken unto you, He points them to his word.
He tells them that they shall only have peace if that peace is in him.
The disciples in the word and the word in the disciples.
You will scatter from the storm that will be around me but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
Only in me ye shall have peace.
Outside of me the storm will overtake you and ye shall only have tribulation.
I have overcome the world and with this declaration he begins to pray as we shall see in Chapter 17. Read Chapter 17 if time. |