The Gospel of John

John 16:25–33

I Have Overcome the World

Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.

1.         Commentators point out that to some degree Jesus is re-stating Himself in this passage. And well He should as we have a tendency to forget even key messages.

2.         Jesus’ time with His disciples is down to a few hours or less. He is emphasizing things that He wants the eleven to hold on to.

3.         He even states that He had been using “figures of speech,” which have not been clear to them. This  will now change.

4.         Verses 26 and 27 are confusing to us, we will have to admit, and even the best over the centuries have confessed as much. He seems to say that His followers will pray, make requests based on all that Jesus is and has accomplished, but He Himself will not stand between the Father and His disciples. And the reason is that the Father Himself loves His followers.

5.         Now, in verse 28, Jesus simply and clearly states that He is leaving the world and going to the Father.

6.         The disciples vigorously say they understand His plain speech, whereas before they did not.

7.         Then verse 30 is the disciples’ statement of faith.

8.         Jesus’ response, “Do you now believe?” is even yet more mysterious. Is this a rebuke, as some say, or is it an acceptance of truth from His followers, as others say?

9.         Now Jesus says something that His hearers would surely doubt. They would be scattered. We see as much in Luke 24:50-51. Indeed events are about to occur that would send them home and hiding.

10.       Nevertheless the Father does not abandon Him.

11.       Jesus now comforts His disciples, after what may have been a mild rebuke, and lets them know they have peace that grows out their relationship with Him. Indeed, in the world, they will have much trouble, but He has overcome the world.