“For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed I came from God.” John 16:27 [Berean Study Bible]
Because of the truths of God, Christians can possess peace. John 16 records Jesus said this. Jesus returned to heaven as the conqueror of sin and death because He is God’s Son, the One with power to do these things. The Spirit of truth, whom Jesus sends, lives within people who believe in Him, according to Jesus in John 16:12-15. Jesus said in verse thirteen, “He [the Spirit] will guide you into all truth.” The Spirit is and has truth. He is part of the Triune Godhead. Jesus said, “He [Holy Spirit] will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come. He will glorify Me by taking from what is mine and disclosing it to you. Everything that belongs to the Father is mine.” (John 16:13c-15) Understand this well; the Spirit of truth is truth and reveals truth. This truth is part of God. Solely, it comes from God and is one of His characteristics; it comes from who He is. God’s being defines truth. The Spirit will reveal to the disciples of Jesus (past, present, and future) the truths of God and about God, Father, Son, and Spirit.
Deliberately, Jesus prepared His disciples for the trials and tribulations they would face by teaching about the Spirit. The soldiers of the temple, commanded by the Chief priest, were soon to confront Jesus and arrest Him. Just as Jesus foretold about them, His disciples fled. Secretly, one followed Him as the soldiers led Him away. This disciple, Peter, denied Him thrice before the rooster crowed, as Jesus foretold. (Luke 22:54-62) Jesus spoke to prepare His disciples for the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual upheaval that would soon come upon them because of His arrest and crucifixion. Jesus explained their grief would turn to joy. (John 15:22)
Lovingly, Jesus prepared His disciples for the trials and tribulations they would face in their near future, and for the trials they would experience the rest of their lives as His disciples. He did not end his teaching with defeatism. Jesus said they would receive joy. These disciples may have wondered with great confusion how joy arose from trials. Jesus told them in cloaked language and metaphors. He gave them a promise to hold on to, a hope for them to realize they would not face the trials and tribulations alone. Just as Jesus walked with and taught them while He lived on earth, He would be with them opening the doorway for them to pray and petition the Father. He explained if they asked for anything in His name, the Father would give it to them. Because of the faith the disciples had in Jesus and because of the love the Father and Son gave them, Jesus told them when they prayed in His name, asking as He desired, the Father would give them what they requested. Though Jesus no longer walked on earth with the disciples, through the Spirit and prayer to the Father, He remained with them. Jesus taught them in John 16:23-24, and 27 to receive complete joy knowing the Father loves them and will give them everything needed. Jesus intended His promises to give them joy in all situations and hope because He is with them through the Spirit.
This joy is not fleeting or based on circumstances. Jesus said this joy, the joy of knowing Him, receiving God’s love, and knowing truth through the Spirit, is complete. Anything from God is complete. Wholly, giving no half measures, He gives from His being. Joy comes from God; it is complete. Joy’s definition comes from God’s character. The disciples of Jesus can gain complete joy because He died, rose to life, and ascended to sit on His throne. His disciples can possess joy because God never leaves His people. They can have joy because they have hope of eternal life no struggle can replace. Completely, the disciples gain joy through God.
The disciples believed Him. They expected the Spirit of truth and joy. They expected tribulation and trials. The disciples knew God loved them. Faithfully, they knew Jesus is the Son of God. They could get and keep peace with this understanding and through His Spirit. (John 16:31-33) Because the disciples had this hope and accepted the truths of the Spirit and acted upon them, they could experience the complete joy and peace the Spirit gives.
Jesus told His disciples He would return to the Father. He explained they would face trials and tribulations. Disciples of Christ can know and act upon the gifts the Spirit gives them. They can accept and live with joy and peace, knowing nothing can separate them from God. God gives the strength and courage to get through hard times. He gives them determination to walk with Him. God gives His Spirit to remind them of these truths. He loves His people more than anything they will encounter. God will never leave nor forsake His children. This hope comes as a reminder from the Spirit of truth and brings them joy and peace.
Take joy! Have peace! Jesus has overcome the world!
Jesus, I forget your words often, especially when I feel panicked
in a tough situation. Help me remember Your love for me. Help me recall You
offer complete joy and peace in every situation. No difficulty in life can ever
defeat You and me with You. Lord, please don’t consider my fear as doubt of Who
You are. You are my Savior, God’s Son. Forgive my fear before I remember You
are my strength and hope. Remind me You are with me when I face tough times.
Give me Your strength and courage. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for never
leaving or forsaking me. You are God and I will not fear. Amen.
