Jesus Prepares the Disciples For His Departure

The disciples could not understand why Christ had to leave them. Christ responded by showing them that His return to the Father made possible greater blessings because of the coming of the Spirit.

Be Ready. Don’t Quit.

The greatest danger for the disciples was apostasy, falling away, not opposition. Jesus taught that when others persecute you they will often think they are helping God. He also knew His best hour would be their worst.

Even With Broken Hearts Keep Your Focus

John 16:5 But now I go my way to Him that sent Me; and none of you asks me, Where are you going? 16:6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow has filled your heart.

The disciples are so self-absorbed in their own anticipated loss that none are asking Jesus what exactly is going on. They did not ask any thoughtful questions about where Jesus was going and what it means for Him, or them. None of the gospels state or infer that the disciples entertained the idea before the cross, that the Messiah would simultaneously be conquering king, suffering, dying servant and resurrected Lord.

Great Trial & Great Blessing

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you.

The Holy Spirit Convicts of Sin

John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Just as Jesus forced a division in the world (15:20) showing that what it does is evil (7:7; 15:22), so the Spirit continues this work. He most commonly does this through the witness of His disciples and with the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When people do not know their sin then they do not know their need. Without knowing the need, we do not turn to Jesus to have the need met. The Spirit reveals the need.

The Spirit Convicts of Righteousness

The Jews had never admitted that Jesus was from God and that He was righteous. Jesus told them He could prove His righteousness, because the Father would accept Him into His presence when He left.

The Holy Spirit Convicts of Judgment

The Holy Spirit convicts of judgment because the prince of this world (Satan) is judged. He was judged on the cross. The death of Jesus Christ looked like Satan’s greatest victory, but the reality was it was judgment day for Satan.

The Holy Spirit & Truth

John 16:13a However when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.

Jesus Himself is the truth and now His Spirit of truth will lead the disciples into all the implications of the truth. There is no other foundation for truth: the notion of “guidance” is understanding God as He has revealed Himself, and aligning with and obeying that revelation.

There is Joy Beyond Trouble

John 16:16 “A little while, and ye shall not see Me; and again a little while, and ye shall see Me, because I go to the Father.”

This departure is Jesus’ death.

The return is His resurrection.

The disciples had no category to allow them to make sense of a Messiah who would die, rise from the dead, and abandon them in favor of sending someone else,
so they ask among themselves “What does he mean?”

John 16:20 Verily, verily I say unto you that you shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice; and you shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

This refers to the grief of the disciples once Jesus was dead, and the world’s rejoicing, thinking it has disposed of Him. The resurrection of Jesus, when they see Him again, is the dawning of the new creation, causing their hearts to rejoice.

You Might Fail Me. I Will Not Fail You.

John16:31 Jesus answered them, Do you now believe? 16:32 Behold, the hour comes, yes, is now come, that you shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

The damping of the disciples’ faith reminds us that the Church did not owe and does not owe its existence to their/our faith, courage, or virtue. The church owes
its existence to what Christ has done in them/us and those placing their faith in Him could not forget it.

However grave, horrible, or devastating the temporary defection of His disciples may have been, Jesus looks beyond their collapse to their restoration, and
ends His speech with encouragement.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Jesus makes all the provision we need. Let’s trust Him, love Him, and live for Him NOW.