In John 16, Jesus offers profound insights into the trials and tribulations we face in this world, reassuring us that He has overcome the world. This Daily Devotional is particularly poignant for anyone grappling with difficulties, trials, or temptations, as it emphasizes that while tribulation is inevitable, Jesus provides a path to peace and victory. The essence of this message is as relevant today as it was when first spoken, urging us to find solace and courage in Jesus’ words. Learn how to bear fruit for Jesus in the Daily Devotional on John 15.
Study of John 16
In our study of John 16, we will highlight the consistent and evolving understanding of Jesus’ promise to send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to convict the world of sin and guide believers into all truth. We will also underscore the assurance that, despite the certainty of tribulation, we are invited to ask in Jesus’ name, promising that our joy will be made full through our faith and connection with Him.
Our Hope Is in Jesus
As we delve deeper into John 16, we see Jesus preparing His disciples for the challenges ahead, emphasizing the support of the Holy Spirit and the ultimate triumph over worldly trials. In the current context, such as during the coronavirus pandemic, this chapter serves as a powerful reminder that our faith and trust should remain anchored in Jesus. His assurance that He has overcome the world provides a beacon of hope and peace amidst our present-day tribulations, encouraging us to live out our faith with resilience and joy.
John 16 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
Today, in John 16, we will learn in this world we will have tribulation, but Jesus has overcome the world. Are you facing tribulation, difficulties, trials, or temptations? Please read or listen to John 16.
Throughout our study of the Gospel of John, we are using three of my personal Bible reading journals. One from 1990, one fifteen years later from 2005, and one thirteen years later from 2018.
In 1990, after reading John 16 (NASB), I wrote, “Jesus to send a Helper, Paracletos, to convict the world of sin and guide into truth. Ask in Jesus’ name. In the world, you will ‘have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world’ (v. 33).”
In 2005 (NASB), I wrote, “Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to ‘convict the world concerning sin’ (v. 8) and guide us into all truth, referring to verse 13. He also tells them He is going away and will come back. He assures them they have access to the Father and ‘He will give it to you’ (v. 23). ‘Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full’ (v. 24). ‘In the world you have tribulation’ (v. 33). Amen! ‘But take courage; I have overcome the world’ (v. 33). Yeah!”
John 16:8-9
Next, He tells them He is going to go away. When He does, sorrow will fill their hearts. More tribulation. But then, Jesus offers some hope. He says when He goes away, He is going to send the Helper. The Helper is the Holy Spirit, and verse 8 describes His job description. “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:concerning sin” (vs. 8-9). He continues in verse 13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth”. The Holy Spirit has two jobs: to convict the world of sin and to lead us into truth.
Jesus Gives Us Joy Even in Our Troubles
Jesus then goes back to tribulation as they are trying to figure out what He means by saying, ‘a little while, I go away’; ‘a little while, I come back.’ He says in verse 20, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” Yes, in their lives and in ours, there will be tribulation. But then He gives them great hope in verse 24, “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” Have you ever done that? Have you ever asked for something from Jesus and He granted it to you and you were overjoyed at His response? I hope so. Many times in my life I have seen the Lord work exceedingly, abundantly, beyond what I can think or imagine.
In This World We Will Have Tribulations but Jesus Has Overcome the World
Jesus finishes the chapter in verse 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.” What He said to them there in the Holy City of Jerusalem between Palm Sunday and Easter, He says to us today. What we read, we read so we may have peace, though being reminded in this world, we will have tribulation. But praise God He says, “take heart; I have overcome the world” (v. 33).
Where is your faith? Where is your trust? Is it in the things offered by this world or is it in Jesus, the one who overcomes the world? I am writing this in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. Verse 32 struck me as I read it, “Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home”. We are on thirty-day lock down, restricted to staying in our own homes here and across the world. Who would have thought this kind of tribulation would come our way? Yes, Jesus reminded us, “In (this) world you will have tribulation. But take heart; (He has) overcome the world” (v. 33). Christians are being challenged. Can we live what we believe during a coronavirus pandemic? “In (this) world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Prayer for Jesus to Overcome the World Today
Lord Jesus, we need You to overcome our world right now. We’re all stuck in our homes. Easter is coming. There will be no gathering to celebrate Your resurrection. It is a strange time in our world. We are facing tribulation. Thanks to John 16, we can take heart because we believe in the one who has overcome the world. Overcome our world today. In Jesus’ name, amen.