April 27, 2020
Hostility Now for Happiness Later
John 16:16–33
Kate Alexander
Central Truth
Persecution in this world is inevitable, but Christ provides us with a peace that is unattainable by any other means.
Key Verse | John 16:33
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
John 16:16–33
Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy
16 A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
I Have Overcome the World
25 I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 1 16:27 Some manuscripts from the Father 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Dive Deeper | John 16:16–33
In my 27 years on this earth, I have not met a single person who enjoys opposition. In this passage, Jesus doesn't tell us that we might or could have problems but to expect persecution in this world. If the story ended there, it would be sad and discouraging; but as believers, we know the best part. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). Y'all, Jesus wins! The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5).
What an opportunity we have as Christians on earth today. Jesus left us—a chosen race, a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)—here to spread the good news and warned us ahead of time that we would face trouble and hostility. He said these things to keep us from falling away (John 16:1) so that, when our hour comes, we will remember that He told us (John 16:4).
My story includes a past that is marked by a fear of failure. People might look at me funny and talk behind my back? No, thank you. Any chance of resistance? You can go ahead and count me out. Comfortable is easy; going against the world is hard. Have you ever turned around in the lazy river at Hurricane Harbor and tried to walk backward? It's much more difficult than floating along effortlessly with the crowd.
In His story, Jesus knew what was coming. He knew that His future involved Him suffering on a cross for sins He didn't commit, yet He didn't pull back or shy away. He faced the persecution head-on; and oh, what an example He set for us. There's going to be evil; we're going to have heartbreak and sadness. But for those of us who are believers in Him, we can live with the overwhelming peace that we know the One who has overcome the world.
Discussion Questions
1. In times of trial and difficulty, why do people abandon God? Have you ever struggled to cling to God during these times?
2. How does it change your perspective to know that your sorrow is temporary?
3. What is the difference between the joy and peace that the world offers and the joy and peace found in Christ?
4. The Bible teaches that joy is an attitude, not based on subjective circumstances but on the objective truth of what God has done for us through Christ. How can you apply this principle during times of trial and difficulty?