PEACE IN CHRIST

John 16:25-33

25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” 29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world”.

Notes

Jesus spoke of the disciples’ sorrow turning to joy through His resurrection (16:16–24). He assured them that the Father would hear their prayers in His name, bringing fullness of joy. Now, Jesus shifts to speaking plainly about the Father, emphasizing the peace and confidence His disciples can have despite their coming trials. Though He knew they would fail, He assured them of His victory over the world, calling them to take heart in His sovereign triumph.

1. Plain Language

   The Lord Jesus explained that there would come a time when He would speak to them plainly, without figures of speech. He revealed that the disciples could speak to the Father directly in His name. Furthermore, He explained that the Father loves them because they love Him and believe He is from the Father.

   
   25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” (John 16:25-28).

   Application: Let us praise God for making a way to the Father because He is the only way. Through His death and resurrection, we have access to the Father. Let us thank the Father for His love for us in the name of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, let us habitually pray to the Father in His name.

   
   

2. Believing Yet Imperfect

   The disciples thought they understood Christ. They declared their faith that, indeed, Jesus is from the Father. However, the Lord plainly explained the reality of what was to come. Although they believed they would fail miserably.

   
   29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me (John 16:29-32).

   Application: By His grace, we will continue to believe in Him and His word. Moreover, if we ever sin or fail, we will repent and persist in believing Him, knowing He will forgive our sins. We will teach others what the Scriptures reveal: that Christ is from the Father, and He returned to the Father.

3. Peace Due to His Victory

   The Lord Jesus intended for His words to bring peace to His disciples. He repeated His earlier warning that they would have tribulation in the world, which is about suffering for the faith. But the Lord instructed them to take courage because Jesus had overcome the world.

   
   33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

   Application: Therefore, let us keep learning the truth of Christ, for His word and sacrifice overcame the world. By knowing Him and His promises, we can face the tribulation in this world, for we have the peace of Christ in our lives.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What did Jesus reveal about the Father’s love?

2. How did the Lord prepare the disciples for the scattering? What can we learn?

3. Why should we take heart or courage amid many trials?