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More John commentaries
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Understanding God’s Word and Applying It
John 16:25–33
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
A little boy came running to his mother, shouting, “Mother, I am nine feet tall.” His mother responded, “Don’t talk such nonsense.” “But,” he said, “I really am nine feet tall. I measured myself.” “Well, how did you measure yourself?&q … More
Even though Jesus was a master teacher and taught His disciples for three years by spoken word and example their perception of His relationship to the Father was limited. He now explains to them that they are about to enter a new situation because of His resurrection, ascension and the soon coming of the Holy Spirit (vv. 25-28). They will have direct personal access to the Father through His name and He says, “I shall shew you plainly the Father” (v.25). The purpose of Bible study is not simply to understand great truths, but to get to know the Father better (v. 26). You will ask the Father in my name, and I won’t have to ask him for you (v. 27). God the Father loves you because of your love for me, and your belief that I have come from him (v. 28).
The disciples respond by saying that they now understand and believe (vv. 29-30). However, this claim was probably presumptuous as their later actions revealed. Jesus knew their limitations far better than they did. In spite of their tremendous affirmation of faith they would soon fail miserably by deserting Him when He was arrested (v. 31). Jesus says, Each of you will go back home and leave me by myself. But the Father will be with me, and I won’t be alone (v. 32). This only points out that no matter how strong we think we are in our faith and understanding we will still fail the Lord when the time of testing comes unless we practice that faith and apply the understanding. Jesus’ instructions were intended to sustain them in a world of tribulation and to give them peace in Him who has overcome the world (v. 33). It is true that the world and its system wants to overcome us but when we yield ourselves to Christ and trust Him, He enables us to be overcomers. The choice is up to us.
Application
I want to know Jesus better and not just more facts about Him, as a result of spending time in the Word. As I have a better understanding of His Word I will understand how He wants me to live.
John 16:25-33 (English Standard Version)
"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. 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; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father." His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 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." Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 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. 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."
View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »
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