Scripture
By Raufu Spagnoletta
Scripture Lesson Text: John 16:19-33
Related Scriptures: Romans 8:31-39; 2 Corinthians 4:7-12; Ephesians 2:11-18; 1 Peter 1:3-9; 1 John 4:4-6
In the Scripture Lesson Text, Jesus is preparing the disciples for His departure. “And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.” The Apostle Paul speaks of God’s everlasting love in Rom. 8:31-39. For I am persuaded, that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In, 2 Corinthians 4:7-12, Paul preaches, “But we have this treasure, (the light of the glorious gospel of Christ) in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side yet not distressed; we are preplexed, but not in despair.” Paul teaches “oneness in Christ” in Ephesians 2:11-18. Christ, our peace, hath broken down the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile. That He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
1 Peter 1:3-9 attests of our heavenly inheritance. “According to God’s abundant mercy we have been born again unto a living hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you.” 1 John 4:4-6, affirms, the children of God have overcome the world, because “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Synopsis
By Janice Hall
The book of John, chapter 16, records Jesus’ continued farewell discourse to His disciples. We see the stage is set on the last night before His crucifixion. In the verses preceding our lesson, Jesus warned His disciples of the impending opposition. The disciples could only see the sorrow of Jesus leaving, but it would benefit their growth.
When we look at John 16:19-33, we see Jesus preparing His disciples for His coming challenge on the cross despite the disciples being troubled and confused. Jesus knew they needed their hearts and mind prepared. The plan was to turn the sorrow into joy, not replace their sorrow with joy! His work would provide a righteous basis for God’s graciousness. Jesus taught His disciples to pray directly to the Heavenly Father, in Christ’s name.
John 16:28 states, “ I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” ,which gives us a great summary of the work of Jesus. At this moment in time, the disciples faith seem to be strong, but in a few hours their faith would be tested. Jesus’ objective in the golden text( verse 33), was to bring peace to His disciples. “ Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you:not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” ( John 14:27).
Practical Application
By Pam Jones
For some of us, it seems too often that we go through a cycle of Peace and Trouble. Once we come out of dealing with one dilemma, we go through another one. We can take heart that in John 16:33 Jesus said “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.”
Since Jesus has overcome the world, don’t you think He can help us deal with any-and-all of our troubles? It is in Jesus that we have peace from every kind of issue that we must handle; irregardless of the situation. The scripture found in Isaiah 26:3-4 (KJV) says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength.” Keep your eyes centered on above (Jesus), while you are walking through the mud (troubles) with your feet below, and I guarantee you, you will have that “perfect peace” and gain the strength that you need to make it .
The disciples had an eye-opening moment when they acknowledged, as the lesson’s author puts it, “…that He knew all things [referring to Jesus]. Second, they acknowledged that He had come from God – He was not a mere man but the very Son of God!” Now, since He knows all things, we need to remember that He knows the trouble that you went through in your past, what you’re going through right now, and what is to come in the future! He brought you/us through all of that, and many times with a peace that surpasses all understanding! That is the kind of God we serve – He will never leave us nor forsake us!
