John 16: Persecution & Holy Spirit Comfort

Read John chapter 16

Introduction: In John 16, Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for His soon to come departure.  In this chapter, He speaks of the coming persecution, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the joy that will come after His resurrection. Jesus assures them that although they will face hardship, they will never be alone because the Holy Spirit will guide them and give them peace and comfort. This chapter reminds believers of the fact, that even in the midst of trials, we can have hope and joy because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

I. John 16:1-4 – Persecution Predicted
Jesus warns His disciples that they will face persecution from those who do not know God, neither do they want to hear anything about Him. He tells them this so they will not be caught off guard when it happens. It is always tough to get blind sided by the angry nature of the lost and undone. Some other verses in the Bible that point out this subject can be found in Matthew 10:22, where Jesus also warned of persecution in gospel of Matthew, showing that this was a consistent message He gave to His disciples. And in 2 Timothy 3:12, the Apostle Paul sheds more light on Jesus’ warning, saying that anyone who wants to live a godly life will face persecution. Finally in 1 Peter 4:12-13, the Apostle Peter also speaks of the persecution that Christians will face, but he encourages them to rejoice in it, because it will help to make us stronger.

II. John 16:5-15 – The Work of the Holy Spirit
Jesus tells His disciples that it will be to their advantage that He goes away because then the Holy Spirit will come and provide guidance, peace and comfort to them. The Holy Spirit will guide them into all truth and convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, same as the Holy Spirit does today in year 2024. Other Bible references that point to this subject are in Luke 24:49, where Jesus tells His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit, showing the importance of the Spirit’s work in the believers. And in  Acts 1:8, the Bible says after receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples will be empowered to be witnesses for Christ, and do mighty works. Ephesians 1:13-14 says the Holy Spirit is a seal and guarantee of our inheritance in Christ, believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

III. John 16:16-24 – Sorrow Turned to Joy
Jesus tells His disciples that they will grieve when He is gone, but their sorrow will turn to joy when He is resurrected. He uses the analogy of a woman in labor as an example of how their pain will be forgotten in the joy of seeing Jesus does indeed live. In Isaiah 66:9, God uses the same analogy of a woman in labor to describe the coming joy of His people. Another verses that comes to mind is in Romans 8:18 where Paul speaks of the present sufferings not comparing to the glory that will be revealed, not compared with eternity in Heaven, not compared to the eternal bliss believers will inherit. And in 1 Peter 1:6-7, Peter talks about the temporary trials that will result in praise and glory when Jesus is revealed, trial and tribulation forces us to grow spiritually.

IV. John 16:25-33 – Jesus Overcomes the World
Jesus speaks plainly to His disciples, telling them that He has overcome the world and the one who rules this world. He assures them that they can have peace in Him, even though they will face tribulation. In Romans 8:37, Paul says that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us. 1 John 5:4-5 says that our faith is what overcomes the world. And in Revelation 3:21, Jesus promises that those who overcome will sit with Him on His throne, what a great honor that would be for any Christian who has lived the life.

Conclusion: John 16 reminds believers everywhere of the difficulties we will face as followers of Christ, but also, we are reminded of the hope and joy we have in Him. Jesus’ words are meant to prepare and encourage us to live our best life, knowing that the Holy Spirit will be with us to guide and comfort us. Even in the midst of persecution and sorrow, we can have peace because Jesus has overcome the world, as He has done, so we can do also through Him. As we face trials, let us hold onto the promise that our temporary suffering will be turned into everlasting joy.