Warning vs Persecution

John 16:1-4

1 I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told them to you.

Notes

The Lord Jesus stated the reason for His words: so the disciples would remain and not fall away. The events that would happen would test His disciples. Jesus' arrest, suffering, and death would surprise them, but if they remembered His words, they would be comforted. The Lord Jesus also promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would be with the disciples. The Lord instructed His disciples to remain in Him, and His words should remain in them (John 15:7). Even though the Lord assured the disciples that He chose them, He still instructed them to remain. Thus, the disciples should hold on to His words.

1 I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away (John 16:1).

1. Persecution

   The Lord Jesus prepared them for what was to come: religious persecution that would lead to violence. As recorded by the physician, Luke (Acts 8-9), such became true. The irony of it was that those who would do violence against the disciples would think that they were doing it for God.

   
   2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God (John 16:2).

   Application: We must expect persecution, including religious persecution, which could turn violent. Why? True believers will never compromise the truth about Jesus Christ and His words. For us, becoming a true believer means being a faithful follower of Christ, which means we are believers not merely in name but in faith and deed. Thus, expect persecution.

   
   

2. Reason

   The Lord Jesus explained why persecution would happen. The reason is that they do not know the Father or the Son. For the Jews, it was ignorance of the prophecies and its fulfillment. They thought that the teachings of Jesus were an assault on Judaism instead of its fulfillment.

   
   3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me (John 16:3).

   Application: We must continue proclaiming the gospel's truth so that people will know the Father and the Son. Those who do not believe in the gospel will remain in darkness. However, the irony is that those who hear the gospel might respond by persecuting the messenger, or they might believe. Either way, we must proclaim the gospel.
   

3. Remember

   Remembering Christ's words can be comforting. When dark times come because of the forewarned persecution, the disciples can remember that the Lord knew all this. They can also remember the Lord's promises amid the difficulties.

   
   4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told them to you (John 16:4).

   Application: If we consider ourselves true believers, then let us expect difficulties, persecution, and trials. However, we should remain in Christ and His words, especially in the darkest moments. His words will comfort us. Thus, we should make every effort to know His words.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What is one purpose of Christ’s words according to the text?

2. What kind of violence was forewarned, and what was the reason behind it?

3. How should the disciples respond?