Jesus and His disciples were in Jerusalem celebrating the Passover, and the Lord was preparing His followers for the road to the cross, and even more importantly, far beyond the cross.
After He introduced the Holy Spirit as the divine comforter, Jesus called on His disciples to pray to the Father in His name so our prayers can be heard and answered as each one among God’s family brings Him honor and glory.
“25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.” (John 16:25)
Jesus revealed to His disciples that He would soon address them more directly as the time for the cross was upon the Lord. Christ had been preparing them for the adversity and sorrow they would soon face, and it was time for Jesus to evolve His teaching from proverbs and metaphors to more specific instruction, as each disciple faithfully walks the narrow path that leads to God.
“26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God.” (John 16:26-27)
Here, Jesus is telling His disciples to continue praying in His holy name, and more so after He has ascended to HEaven to rejoice with God forever. the power of prayer can move mountains, and it is through prayer that believers get the chance to interact with God one on one, in a personal, intimate manner.
“28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”” (John 16:28)
Jesus summarizes His ministry in one sentence. He came, lived, died, rose and ascended to Heaven. Anyone who believes this will find his and her name written in the book of life, and God rejoices in telling us that a place in Heaven is secure for all such persons, forever!
“29 His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! 30 Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.”” (John 16:29-30)
This was a turning point in Jesus’ ministry, when His disciples started to realize who He was. And when they did, they were ready for the Lord to speak to them plainly, without the need for a proverb or illustration. They were ready for the truth, and the challenges to come trusting God would send a divine Helper in the way of the Holy Spirit.
“31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” (John 16:31-32)
Jesus then predicts how His disciples will leave Him to fend for Himself once He is captured, as each one scatters to fulfill the Great Commission, hunted and persecuted yet filled with hope and driven by God’s promises.
“33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”” (John 16:33)
Jesus concludes His message by calling on His disciples to seek God’s peace through Him who came to die on the cross so those who believe and repent can rejoice in Heaven, forever and ever.
Are you following Jesus to your eternal destination? If not, I invite to click HERE to reach out to me so we can get together in a virtual meeting and further discuss eternity, for God’s glory… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the gospel of John,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to live out the apostle’s writings
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through the truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of Christian faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
