THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 16, Jesus’ Warning, The Holy Spirit Promised, Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Foretold, Prayer Promises.

 

THE BOOK OF JOHN, Chapter 16

Jesus’ Warning, The Holy Spirit Promised, Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Foretold, Prayer Promises

This chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter. So, let’s recap some of the key verses from chapter 15: “I Am The Vine”, “My Father is the Vinedresser”, “you are the branches”, “every branch that does not bear fruit, He takes away and it is burned up”, “You must abide in Me to bear fruit”, “The Father will prune you so you will bear much fruit”, “Remain in Me and My Words in you and whatever you ask shall be done for you”, “keep my commandments and you will remain in Me”; “love one another”, “there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your brother”, “you are my friends if you do what I commanded you”; “the world will hate you because they hate Me”, “I will send you The Helper”.

The Word of God does not disconnect from verse to verse or chapter to chapter. All the subject matter of scriptures, from verse to verse and chapter is directly connected and related – “precept upon precept, line upon line” – from the beginning, so it is and so it always shall be.

Jesus’ Warning

John 16:1, “These things I have spoken to you so that you will not be led into sin.

(Commentary Break): What are “these things” that He spoke to “you” so that you will not be led into sin?

First of all, the Word of God does not disconnect from verse to verse or chapter to chapter. All the subject matter from verse to verse and chapter is directly connected and related – “precept upon precept, line upon line” – from the beginning, so it is and so it always shall be.

Secondly, it is important to recognize and accept that Jesus’ Words, are the Word of God, (see John 1:1-3). The Bible is “God Breathed” into and inspired men to write those Words to and for all the people – the children – of God, of all times. (You may hear that some words in the Bible were written “for you” and other words were written “to you”. That is a misconception, and a lie. The Bible is not meant to be a historical account of the Jewish nation and religion nor an historical account of Christianity – not even of Jesus. The Bible is God’s Word and is in fact God’s Word breathed out. (see 2 Timothy 3:16). It is without error. It is creative, instructional, prophetic and causative.

Now, and with that said, “these things that He spoke to you”, (verse 1), were being spoken to Jesus’ disciples as well as to all disciples who would follow, even until the consummation of the age. (You must, please, get this). These words were not random or temporary. They are eternal. (see Matthew 5:18). He is speaking to you and to me – today!

Finally, Jesus has said and is still saying:

• • • “I Am The Vine”,
    • “My Father is the Vinedresser”,
    • “you are the branches”,
    • “every branch that does not bear fruit, He takes away and it is burned up”,
    • “You must abide in Me to bear fruit”,
    • “The Father will prune you so you will bear much fruit”,
    • “Remain in Me and My Words in you and whatever you ask shall be done for you”,
    • “keep my commandments and you will remain in Me”;
    • “love one another”,
    • “there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your brother”,
    • “you are my friends if you do what I commanded you”;
    • “the world will hate you because they hate Me”,
    • “I will send you The Helper”.

… so that you will not be led into sin.

If you are struggling with sin or a particular sin, start with the Words of John 16:1.

(Let me tell you however, you can be saved and not be immediately “delivered” from the effects of sin. Both salvation and deliverance are a work of God’s Grace. Both require an obedient response by the recipient.

FYI: The verb translated “deliver” or “rescue” is used in the New Testament for every sphere in which God intervenes to save—spiritual, physical, temporal, and eschatological. Whether on the lips of the Lord Jesus, in apostolic testimony, or in prophetic hymn, the word consistently sets God (or His Messiah) as the active subject and His people as the grateful recipients. Although a Greek verb, the concept stands in direct continuity with Hebrew expressions for divine rescue (“natsal,” “chalats,” “palat”). By employing this word, New Testament writers consciously connect the saving acts of God in Israel’s account (Exodus, Judges, Psalms, Prophets) with the decisive saving act in Jesus Christ.

Deliverance is Grounded in the Person and Work of Christ:

• • • Colossians 1:13 places ultimate deliverance in the completed work of the Father through the Son: “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son”.
      • Romans 11:26, citing Isaiah, calls the returning Messiah “the Deliverer” who removes ungodliness from Jacob, binding the term to the Messianic identity of Jesus.
      • 1 Thessalonians 1:10 speaks of the risen Son “who rescues us from the coming wrath,” underscoring substitutionary atonement and final judgment.

So, I say gain, If you are struggling with sin or a particular sin, start with the Words of John 16:1. (If you have remaining questions, please contact me through the reply section below this post). (End Commentary Break).

Verse 2. They will ban you from the synagogue, yet an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering a service to God. Verse 3. These things they will do because they have not known the Father nor Me. Verse 4. But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. However, I did not say these things to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

(Commentary Break): Once again, I remind us that these words are spoken to all of God’s people throughout all the ages. Times of persecution have come and gone, and they will come again. When these things come upon you do not be taken off guard. (Also see Ephesians 6:10-18). (End Commentary Break).

The Holy Spirit Promised

Verse 5. “But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ Verse 6. But because I have said these things to you, grief has filled your heart. Verse 7. But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. Verse 8. And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: verse 9, regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me; verse 10, and regarding righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you no longer are going to see Me; verse 11, and regarding judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

(Commentary Break): This highlights the disciples’ lack of understanding and their focus on their immediate concerns rather than the larger divine plan. Earlier, Peter had asked a similar question in John 13:36, but here, Jesus points out that they are not truly grasping the significance of His departure. The disciples are troubled by the thought of losing Jesus’ physical presence, which reflects their human perspective and emotional response. This moment underscores the need for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide them into all truth (John 16:13) and help them understand the spiritual implications of Jesus’ return to the Father. This is still true, for us, today.

Jesus briefly explains the mission of the Helper (the Holy Spirit) as He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment because the ruler of this world has been judged. This reveals one of the primary reasons the world hates Jesus so vehemently and will hate each and every Jew and every Christian. They are judged and they hate it and they will hate you for adhering to this truth. The world wants to do only as each of them sees fit and they do not want to be judged or held accountable. (When you hear a Christian say, teach or preach that “no one should judge another person”, they are treading on the treacherous grounds of sinking sand. While we, as Christians are not to judge others unfairly, we are to make judgments about sinful behavior, attitudes and thoughts. For example, Matthew 7:1 says, “Do not judge (your brother) so that you will not be judged”. The word “judge” translate from the Greek to “avenge, condemn, decree or to sentence”, and is referring to a “brother or sister in the faith”. I.e., “do not judge a brother or sister in order to avenge, condemn, decree or to sentence”. This word goes on to include the idea to “hold in esteem”. This means we are to esteem them, treat them with respect, set a positive value on them, and to appreciate them first. Then address them as “we”, as one of the Body of Christ before making a judgment. Additionally, 1 John 5:14-16 reminds us, “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him. (Therefore) If anyone sees his brother or sister committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will, for him, give life to those who commit sin not leading to death.” (End Commentary Break).

Verse 12. “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them at the present time. Verse 13. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. Verse 14. He will glorify Me, for He will take from Mine and will disclose it to you. Verse 15. All things that the Father has are Mine; this is why I said that He takes from Mine and will disclose it to you.

Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Foretold

Verse 16. “A little while, and you no longer are going to see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” Verse 17. So some of His disciples said to one another, “What is this that He is telling us, ‘A little while, and you are not going to see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” Verse 18. So they were saying, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We do not know what He is talking about.” Verse 19. Jesus knew that they wanted to question Him, and He said to them, “Are you deliberating together about this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you are not going to see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me’? Verse 20. Truly, truly I say to you that you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy! Verse 21. Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. Verse 22. Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one is going to take your joy away from you.

Prayer Promises

Verse 23. And on that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you. Verse 24. Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.

Verse 25. “These things I have spoken to you in figures of speech; an hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father. Verse 26. On that day you will ask in My name, and I am not saying to you that I will request of the Father on your behalf; verse 27, for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came forth from the Father. Verse 28. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

Verse 29. His disciples said, “See, now You are speaking plainly and are not using any figure of speech. Verse 30. Now we know that You know all things, and that You have no need for anyone to question You; this is why we believe that You came forth from God.” Verse 31. Jesus replied to them, “Do you now believe? Verse 32. Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. Verse 33. These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (End Chapter 16).

(Commentary Break): What a grand day that we, too, can come to the disciples conclusion in verses 29-30, “Now we know that You know all things, and that You have no need for anyone to question You; this is why we believe that You came forth from God.”

The Jesus replies saying that “These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

The word used here for tribulation is “thlipsis”. It is not, and I repeat, it is not referring just to persecution. It is the same word used in each and every instance the Bible refers to the Tribulation, as well as the Great Tribulation. Here in verse 33, the tribulation Jesus is referring to describes both the mounting pressures, trials, troubles, and yes, persecutions Christians have been facing since the time of the birth of Christ and will continue to face in this world. (These are the early stages of the tribulation period, also known as  tribulation seals 1 through 5, which are overlapping and increasing in intensity. Then will come the Great Tribulation, beginning with the breaking of the Sixth Tribulation seal (see Matthew 24:29-31 and Revelation 6:12-17, Revelation 7:1-17) which will last for 7 years, which is divided by 2, three and one half periods – known as The Great Tribulation and the Wrath of the Lamb.

Though the Bible never uses the word “phases”, I will use it here only to assist in defining periods, and for clarity, the tribulation is referred to in the Bible in three “phases”.

Phase one is the “Birth Pains” of the tribulation, (see Matthew 24:3-14; deceptions, wars, rumors of war, famines and earthquakes, the same tribulation Seals as enumerated in Revelation 6:1-11.)

The “Second Phase” of the Tribulation is known as the Great Tribulation (see Matthew 24:29-31, 21), will commence with the Sixth Tribulation Seal and continue through the Sixth Trumpet Judgment. (see Revelation chapters 6 through 9).

The “Third Phase” of the Tribulation is known as the Wrath of the Lamb (and as The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord – see Revelation 11:15 through Revelation 16:17), after which Jesus appears in the heavens with His army to exact His final judgments (see Revelation 19). (End Commentary Break).

The days of “tribulation” (see verse 33) were indeed upon them and are also upon us now. (for details on this statement, please review “Did Jesus and His Apostles really say this?” and “When does the 7 years really begin?”)

Do not be deceived by some contemporary teaching saying that the birth pains of the tribulation have not begun. That kind of thinking will lull you into a false sense of security and a state of unreadiness.

Let’s be ready. Be found doing what He has commanded, when He returns.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

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