December 30, 2002
LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for Jan. 12
Jesus' farewell discourse addresses vital truth
___John 16:16-33
___By Robert Creech
___University Baptist Church-Clearlake, Houston
___Reading the fourth gospel requires a good memory. John introduces themes and later returns to develop them more fully. The gospel's texture takes shape as theological words, symbols and ideas constantly surface and then submerge. John weaves his themes into the Gospel's text like patterns embedded in a textile. As you read the story, you recall earlier exposure to these themes and enjoy connecting the threads for yourself.
___As the farewell discourse ends (John 16:16-33), familiar ideas resurface. Jesus has already announced his imminent departure and has spoken cryptically of his return (13:33, 36-37; 14-3, 18, 28). These words have confused his disciples (13:36-37; 14:5). Their confusion continues in 16:17-18 in response to Jesus' puzzling words (16:16).
___We have watched them struggle with his words often in the story. We wonder whether they will ever understand. Finally, in 16:29-30, the light of understanding flickers on. Even Jesus exclaims, "You believe at last!" (16:31).
___Already Jesus has warned his followers about the world's hatred of them and of a coming persecution (15:18-24; 16:1-4). Now he tells them soon they will think the world has won the struggle. The world will rejoice, and his disciples will grieve their loss (16:20).
___The grief will be short-lived, however. Roles will reverse. The disciples' mourning will turn to dancing (16:20b-22). As the agony of labor gives way to the joy of new life, so the struggle of Golgotha will yield to the celebration of the empty tomb. Jesus' victory over the world will be the source of the disciples' unending joy (16:33).
___Jesus spoke of the gift of joy earlier (15:11). He taught his disciples that bearing the fruit of love for one another satisfies deeply. Later he will pray for his friends to know the full experience of joy even in his absence (17:13). Now, however, he seeks to help them grasp the meaning of this joy so that they can survive the coming storm.
___Like peace, joy is a gift from God. The world can neither give it nor steal it (14:27; 16:22). Like powerful, effective ministries (14:13-14) and fruitful lives (15:7, 16), complete joy is also the consequence of a life of prayer (16:24).
___One other element adds to the texture of Jesus' farewell discourse--the relationship between grief and joy, between suffering and glory (16:20-22). Jesus introduced the idea earlier--the hour of glory is preceded by the hour of suffering, the kernel of wheat must die before it becomes fruitful; one who saves his life must first lose it (12:23-25).
___Jesus' hour of glory is his ascent to the cross (3:14; 8:28; 12:32). This concept is woven not only into the text of John's story, but also into the very fabric of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
___Seeing this pattern of grief and joy in Jesus' own life enables us to follow him through grief, discouragement, suffering and even persecution. "In this world you will have trouble," Jesus promises. "But take heart! I have overcome the world" (16:33).
___These final words of Jesus to his followers are heavy with irony. An itinerant Jewish preacher, with few followers, faces death at the hands of the Roman government within a few hours. The most powerful political and military force in the world will array itself against him. His followers will run for their lives. He has no weapons, no army and no chance. Yet the last truth he taught his disciples was this: "I have overcome the world." When he finally breathes his last in this story, he will utter words of conquest, not defeat: "It is finished!" (19:30).
___We find joy despite the troubles of this world in the same way that our Teacher did. We understand the reality of God's kingdom and the passing nature of this world (18:36; 1 John 2:17). We accept the truth that grief precedes authentic joy and suffering comes before glory. We acknowledge the fact that losing life is required in order really to possess it. Then, in the joy of Jesus' resurrection, we discover the capacity to live above this world's hatred and trials. Jesus invites us to redefine our circumstances always in light of Easter.
___Jesus' farewell discourse addresses vital truth his disciples would need to understand in order to succeed following his departure. He spoke to them of knowing God's gifts of peace and joy. He taught them about the importance of living in community and of loving one another. He exhorted them to depend upon him for life, like a branch drawing from a vine. He assured them of the Holy Spirit's presence and taught them about the Spirit's role in their lives. He warned them of persecution and rejection. He called them to prayer. In addition, he closed with a word of confidence. No matter how things might look from their perspective, they must remember one thing--their Lord has conquered the world. And in that truth, they would find encouragement.
___Questions for discussion
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