Friday, 31 May 2024

The Upper Room Discourse 99

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Summary, part 4 of 5 - John, Chapter 16

Here, in John 16, Yeshua closes off His time of teaching (speaking substantially with) His disciples, focusing on the significance of His death and resurrection. He is preparing the disciples for what is about to happen.

Yeshua knows the disciples are grief stricken over what He has just prophesied to them. He has just told them that He will be killed (and will be alone when it happens, because the disciples will be scattered), and that they also will be killed. Add to that, He tells them, those who kill them will think they are doing so in service to God. John 16:6 Because I have spoken these things to you, grief has filled your heart.

Immediately, Yeshua tells them the upside ... John 16:7 But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away! For if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

How many times have I heard someone say, "I wish I lived 2,000 years ago so I could have been one of Yeshua's followers." But to the contrary, Yeshua says that we have an advantage because we now have the "Helper" Who is the Holy Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit lead you into all truth.

Changing gears ... Yeshua speaks in a riddle ... John 16:16 A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again in a little while, you will see Me. Now, with the perspective of 2,000 years we can clearly understand what He meant. Shortly you not will see Yeshua (as He gains victory over the grave) and a little more shortly you will see Yeshua (in the resurrection).

Yeshua continues to speak in circles around their understanding. He tells them that they will "weep and mourn" while the world celebrates, but then they themselves will celebrate. John 16:20 Amen, amen I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will celebrate. You will be filled with sorrow, but your sorrow will turn to joy! Yes, we have joy over His resurrection.

The last verse of chapter 16 is perhaps the most comforting. Yeshua promises shalom in midst of trouble because He has overcome the world. John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!

Yeshua overcame the world by resisting the temptations of it. Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a Kohen Gadol who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all the same ways - yet without sin. In the book of Revelation, there are great promises made to those who join Yeshua in overcoming the world. Let's fulfill our calling by joining in Him in victory.