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The Gospel of John
Northwest London Christian Church
Series

Background to John’s Gospel - Chapter 16

John Chapter 16
What were you given when you left home – if anything?! Some parents weep when their children leave
home. Some rejoice! Jesus was very concerned for his friends. He was about to leave them. But this
was no cosy departure. No, it was to be the most traumatic parting of the ways imaginable. Jesus
gives instruction and encouragement to his followers for the difficult times ahead.
Rejection is Normal
It’s tough at the best of times when you’re not listened to. It is ten times harder when you know you are
right and you are passionate about your message. Jesus warns them; “…a time is coming when
anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.” (v2). It is good for us to remember that
persecution is a normal part of the Christian life, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in
Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim 3.12).

Remember They Did it to Jesus

They must have remembered the times Jesus himself was misunderstood and rejected, “On hearing it,
many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” ……..From this time many of
his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” (Jn 6.60-66). In the difficult times when we are
given a hard time for following Jesus it is a comfort to know that Jesus knows how we feel, “If they
persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15.20) and, “Therefore, since we have a great high
priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we
profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we
have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then
approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us
in our time of need.” (Heb 4.14-16).

Respond with Boldness

Not only that but we are given the Spirit of Christ at baptism to help us with our courage, “For God did
not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self–discipline” (2 Tim 1.7). The
apostles received this spirit of boldness and it showed, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to
them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ….. Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other
name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” When they saw the courage of Peter
and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took
note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4.8-13). Indeed their inspiring example together with
the Spirit’s power helped the whole church to be bold, “’Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable
your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform
miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the
place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the
word of God boldly.” (Acts 4.29-31)

Remain Confident
All persecution and rejection is temporary. We will not be here for ever, “I have told you these things, so
that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome
the world.” (v33). The trouble is temporary. Since Jesus has overcome the world, we have nothing to
fear. If you are going through a difficult time of opposition, remember to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the
author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from
sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb 3.2-3).

Malcolm Cox