Today’s passage: John 16:25-33
Helpful thoughts:
- Through Christ, we have direct access to the Father in prayer. We pray directly to the Father and He loves us and wants to hear!
- There is still a backward view of acceptance on the part of the disciples.
- They think they have approved of Jesus by consensus now that He is speaking plainly.
- Their lack of understanding will be evidenced shortly when they scatter after His arrest. (Zechariah 13:7)
- They are not the ones who “certify” Jesus. God “certifies” them. (John 15:16)
- Jesus’ words would later give the disciples (And us) peace. And not a lack of trouble kind of peace. But an ability to move forward in confidence and assurance kind of peace.
- There will be trouble in this world. But our Lord has overcome the world.
Questions to consider:
- When things are going rough for us in this life, how does our knowledge of Christ’s victory help us to keep going, step-by-step? What is the final result for all who believe in Christ? When was that settled and guaranteed?
- When do we often see the fruit of conversion in the life of a believer (Or the lack thereof in someone who is not truly a believer)? Why is complete separation from the world (Meaning, never interacting with the lost) not the greatest idea for Christians? Including because of our calling and commission (Matthew 28:19-20)?
- You don’t need to go out and conquer the world, because the world has already been overcome! Who is our champion? To whom does this world ultimately belong? How can that knowledge shape our understanding of our role and purpose in this life?