Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the Gospel of John, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, fall 2009 through late spring 2010, things are looking increasingly bleak with the economy, health care and unemployment, there is a renewal and increase of racism, and godly principles of living being disregarded, there are floods in India, earthquake and tsunami in Samoa. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Seek His wisdom. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked…Stacey
Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 16 of the book of John. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations…
16:1 – What had Jesus told the disciples to keep them from going astray? Has anything He told them kept you from going astray?
16:2 – Because of their testimony, they will be put out of the synagogue. (Does this story sound familiar?) Those who kill Jesus’ disciples will believe they are doing a service to God. Do you see this happening in the world today? Where? In what circumstances?
16:3 – This evil will be done by those who don’t know Jesus or the Father.
16:4 – I did not tell you this at first – Jesus is warning them now because He is preparing them for the persecution that will come after His departure.
How does Jesus do the same for us today? Keep in mind that the content of the Bible never changes. What does?
16:5-16 – people won’t understand how we live.
16:7 – How can it be a good thing that Jesus goes away?
16:8-11 – It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict the world. Not ours. How can you put this into practice in your life, today?
16:9 – Explain what it means that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin.
16:10 – Explain what it means that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regard to righteousness.
16:11 – Explain what it means that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regard to judgment.
16:12-15 – The Holy Spirit shares what He learns from the Father and Jesus with us. This knowledge belongs to the Father (and Jesus), and is what Jesus referred to in verse 12 as “much more to say to you.”
16:12-13 – The Holy Spirit guides us in the other truths that Jesus wanted to share with His disciples on that day. What truths has He shared with you?
16:14 – The Holy Spirit makes Christ known. Not Himself. Personally, I think He is absolutely brilliant at this. The Holy Spirit is the most mysterious member of the Trinity.
16:16 – What does Jesus mean when He says, “you will see me no more” and “after a little while you will see me”?
We will be with Him soon.
16:17-18 – The disciples ask each other the question I just asked you. Can you identify with their confusion?
16:20 – Explain this verse. Why will the disciples grieve while the world rejoices? How will their grief turn to joy? How does this relate to verse 16?
16:21 – Childbirth is a great illustration of how grief turns to joy.
16:22 – When will Jesus see the disciples again? When will He see us?
16:23 – “That day” represents restoration of relationship with the Father. The disciples will be able to go straight to God.
16:24 – They will receive what they ask in Jesus’ name.
16:25 – Jesus has been speaking figuratively, but promises to speak plainly about the Father. Have you experienced this?
16:26-27 – They will go straight to the Father, themselves rather than asking Jesus to go to the Father for them. To what is Jesus referring? What does this teach you about praying to saints?
16:28 – Jesus came from the Father and is now going back.
16:29 – Does this comment from the disciples mean that what Jesus said in verses 25-26 has come to pass?
16:30-31 – The disciples believe! What was the final thing to insure your belief in Christ?
16:32 – Explain how and why the disciples would scatter. How would this verse play out in a matter of hours?
Why did Jesus mention that He would not be alone – that the Father would be with Him?
16:33 – we are to expect trials!
How would the things Jesus said in the last few verses bring the disciples peace?
How can knowing that we will have trouble in the world bring us peace?
How can knowing the Jesus has overcome the world bring us peace?
How can we share this peace with others?
• The book of John is called the “Love Gospel”. How have you seen God’s love at work in this chapter of scripture and how will you apply it to your life this week?
• What attributes of God do you see in this book?
• What verse of scripture seemed to be God speaking directly to you? What is He teaching you in these verses? How does He want you to respond?
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