John 16:31–33 (WEL) Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 “Look, the hour is coming, yes, even is here now, that all of you will be scattered, everyone to his own. You will leave me all alone, yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33 “I have spoken these things to you, so that you may have peace in me. You have tribulation in the world, but be cheerful. I have overcome the world!”
V31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?”
A serious question. The disciples claim to believe; thus, Jesus’s question.
Why does Jesus ask them this question?
Some might have a basic faith but not genuine heart (soul) faith. Jesus then would have to test it or teach them more.
He knows, but He wants them to know.
Their test is coming. Peter will be tested in the High Priest’s courtyard. All the disciples will be tested at the crucifixion and afterwards.
Will they still believe in the face of extreme fear, uncertainty, and threats?
Some stumble for a while, but all grow stronger, especially at Pentecost when they receive the indwelling Holy Spirit who strengthens, emboldens, and gifts them for service.
Principle: All teachers must test to know what the students believe. Their words are not always reflective of what they know; they must demonstrate it.
V32 “Look, the hour is coming, yes, even is here now, that all of you will be scattered, everyone to his own. You will leave me all alone, yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.”
Jesus tells them about one test coming. This happens at Jesus’s arrest. They all run away. I would have, too.
Jesus, outwardly at His arrest, appears to be alone, but He knows that the Father is with Him.
Principle: Whatever we face and experience in this life, God will not leave us. We may feel that way, but He does not (Hebrews 13:5).
V33 “I have spoken these things to you, so that you may have peace in me. You have tribulation in the world, but be cheerful. I have overcome the world!”
Our ignorance of the future may cause anxiety, but if we know some things about the future, we will have peace.
Jesus prophesies that all believers will suffer tribulation in this life because they are Christians.
The time to repay all those who cause this tribulation and trouble will come; revenge belongs to God (Romans 12:19).
Principle: Let God deal with the revenge. Let us pray for the troublers to be convicted of their sins and place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. We forgive; God punishes. Compare: Luke 23:34, Psalm 109:4, Matthew 5:44, Acts 7:60, and 1 Corinthians 4:12.
We learn:
- God teaches us, then He tests us.
- Christians do have tribulation, affliction, and persecution.
- God’s peace.
Questions:
- Do you have God’s peace in tribulation?
- How has God taught you and then tested you?