John 16:25-33
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In today’s meditation we continue listening in as Jesus prepares his closest followers for his coming suffering and crucifixion, and ultimately, his resurrection. Read John 16:25-33 trying to imagine what the disciples are thinking as Jesus speaks.
What Jesus is saying is revolutionary to these first century Jewish people. He is promising them direct access to God the Father – the same God whose voice shook Mt. Sinai so violently that the people of Israel begged Moses to ask God to stop speaking. Jesus is promising to share his own intimate relationship with the Most Holy God.
Get quiet for a moment or two and contemplate this.
The writer of Hebrews said that because of Jesus we can “…come boldly to the throne of our gracious God (Hebrews 4:16).” What does this mean to you? Talk it over with Jesus.
Read John 16:25-33 again noticing the disciples’ sudden understanding.
One has to wonder why the disciples now claim to understand Jesus when they have struggled the whole way through this time of preparation. Perhaps they want to show Jesus that, despite their confusion, his confidence in their belief is justified. Regardless of their motivation, Jesus loves them even though he knows that they will scatter as soon as they see their expectations of a conquering kingdom begin to crumble.
Very soon, Jesus will have his own time of struggle as he pleads with God in the Garden of Gethsemane, but Jesus’ faith is not dependent on faulty expectations. Jesus’ faith is in God alone, because he knows God is with him, and in God he finds his peace.
The same peace is available to his followers if they remain in him. Yes, the world is full of challenges and sorrows, but in the One who overcomes the world there is real peace. It is not the absence of conflict and difficulty, rather it is the presence of Jesus who is one with the Father, the maker of heaven and earth.
For the last minutes of this time of reflection, imagine yourself in the presence of Jesus. Don’t work too hard to conjure up an image, just get quiet and imagine he is standing before you. Then talk to him about your own expectations. You can use these questions to guide your thoughts if you wish:
What do you expect to get out of your relationship with Jesus?
In what ways have you been disappointed or disillusioned by Jesus either now or in the past?
Are there any ideas or expectations that you need to place at Jesus’ feet today?
Now get quiet and listen. If you sense Jesus prompting you to do something, make a plan to move in that direction today.
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
