GEMS FROM THE GOSPEL John 16 & 17 - #52days

GEMS FROM THE GOSPEL

John 16 & 17

John 16 & 17 – Jesus told the disciples about severe persecution in advance so they would not be caught off guard and would have confirmation of His deity. He promised the Holy Spirit, the comforting Counselor, would come after He returned to the Father. The Holy Spirit would teach them the truth about sin, righteousness, and judgment. HE WILL GUIDE you to understanding the word of God. The Spirit of Truth would guide them into all the truth as He will speak only what He hears. He would announce events of the future to the Apostles and glorify Jesus. Jesus here validated that the New Testament would be the result of the Holy Spirit enlightening the Apostles to teach. HE WILL GUIDE into complete truth. The disciples did not understand when Jesus said that in a little while they would see Him no more and then a little while later they would see Him. They did not ask about it, but Jesus explained that they would sob and mourn, but their grief would turn to joy. He promised they He would see them again, and their hearts would be filled with joy that no one could take away. They would ask the Father in His name and receive so that their joy would be complete. HE WILL GUIDE to complete joy. Jesus then stated clearly that He was returning to the Father who had sent Him. The disciples then stated that people don’t even need to put their questions into words which led them to trust that He truly came from God. Jesus told them even though they believed, they would scatter and leave Him alone; but the Father would be with Him. Jesus explained that they would always have trials in this world, but they could take heart because He has overcome the world. HE WILL GUIDE us to overcome the world. John chapter 17 is the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus, our High Priest (Hebrews 2:17, 4:14-15). Jesus has authority to give eternal life to those God has given Him. Eternal life is not just living forever after death on this earth—it is to enjoy an intimate knowledge of God. HE WILL GUIDE those who trust into eternal life. Jesus prayed to return to the glory He had with God the Father before they created our world. Jesus made God’s word known to His people, and His disciples had truly come to trust in Jesus as Messiah. Jesus prayed for believers. He asked the Father to guard His disciples after He returned to Heaven. He asked that His disciples be united—be one—just as He and the Father were One. Judas Iscariot was the only one of the Twelve who was not guarded, protected, by Jesus because his betrayal of Jesus  was prophesy fulfilled. The world hated the disciples because of their trust in Jesus. Jesus prayed the Father would not take them out of this world but would protect them from Satan. He prayed, “Set them apart for holiness by means of the truth—Your word is truth.” HE WILL GUIDE you into holiness through the word of God. Jesus prayed for us, believers who would come to faith because of the Apostles’ teaching. Jesus prayed that we will be one and united with Him and the Father so that the world will realize God sent Him. HE WILL GUIDE believers into unity with God and each other. Jesus told the Father He wants believers to be with Him and see His glory, the glory He had from before the creation of the world. HE WILL GUIDE those who trust in Jesus to glory.