Message by Larry Thacker Jr. from December 3, “Are We There Yet?”
Our study of john’s gospel continues with the last have of Chapter 16, starting in verse 16. Jesus has just described the persecution that His disciples will face, and He has further described the role of the Holy Spirit. Now He turns again to his impending departure, and his disciples do not understand what He is saying. They are discussing it among themselves but not asking Him directly. Jesus, being Jesus, knows what they want to know and addresses their questions. However, even now we are not quite sure what He meant by “a little while.”
Of these things we can be sure. Jesus completed what He came to do. Because of that, we can know him through the Holy Spirit. We can experience fullness of joy. We can take comfort in the hard times. And yes, when our desires are in line with His, we can ask in His name and know that we will receive. His closing statement could be said to state His message in the simplest of terms.
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.”
John 16:33 LSB
