Jesus’ trials threaten to overcome Him, but they actually become a way of life and victory as Jesus overcomes death and sin. Jesus tells His followers that they will suffer like He suffered, but that He will turn their grief to joy and fill their trials with peace. What does it all mean? What are we to do with these particularly unpleasant – even painful – portions of Scripture?
(John 15:18-25; 16:16-33)
SERMON OUTLINE
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Tension: Jesus’ Followers and the World (15:18-25)
- The world’s hatred for Jesus’ followers because of Jesus (15:18, 20)
- The world’s hatred for Jesus’ followers because of their distinction from the world (15:19)
- The world’s hatred for Jesus’ followers because the world does not know the Father (15:21)
- The world’s hatred for Jesus’ followers because Jesus addresses sin (15:22-24)
“In a little while”: the transformation of circumstances through Jesus (16:16-22, 32)
- Grief: The “little while” of Jesus’ departure
- 16:19,22 Grief first as Jesus departs for the Cross
- 16:20 Grief while the world rejoices
- 16:21 Like the anguish of a woman in labor
- 16:32,22 Jesus left alone by His followers
- Joy: After “a little while” with Jesus’ return
- 16:19,22 Joy later with Jesus’ return from death
- 16:20 Grief turned into joy
- 16:21 Like the joy of a child’s birth
- 16:32,22 Jesus returns to His followers
The Joy-Filled Life in Jesus (16:22-33)
- Secure Joy: A joy that cannot be taken away (16:22)
- Complete Joy: the life of prayer with the Father (16:23-24)
- Loving Joy: the Father’s direct love (16:27)
- Persevering Joy: the reality of Jesus’ return to the Father (16:28)
- Peaceful Joy: the peaceful rest of knowing Jesus’ truth (16:33)
- Overcoming Joy: A joy secured through Jesus’ overcoming work (16:33)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are some of the simple things that give you joy in the midst of the challenges of life?
- This week we continue our series, “Chosen Words,” looking at John 15:18-25 and 16:16-33. Before you read these two portions of Scripture aloud, take a moment to ask God to speak to you as you read His word.
- In John 15:18-25, Jesus directly addresses the tension – even hatred – that will exist between the world and Jesus’ followers. The ‘world’ in John’s writings represents, as one scholar says, “the godless world…organized in opposition to God, and therefore opposed to His people.”What reasons does Jesus offer for why the world will hate Jesus’ followers in verses 18-25?
- How have you experienced hatred or tension in your own life because of your allegiance to Jesus? How did you respond?
- Moving forward to John 16:16-18, what is troubling the disciples? Look back over chapters 13-16 and consider how many times Jesus hints at His pending departure from the disciples. Why do you think Jesus is saying this?
- In verse 4, Jesus says: “neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” If bearing fruit is directly tied to ‘remaining’ – or ‘abiding’ or ‘staying put’ – in Jesus, what does Jesus specifically mean by remaining in Him from this passage?
- While some different interpretations of this passage exist, it is most likely that Jesus is talking about His departure for arrest and crucifixion (John 18-19), and His return to the disciples by resurrection (John 20). How does Jesus explain this happening in 16:19-22?
- Jesus further explains the change of relationship with His Father that will occur for Him and for His disciples in verses 23-28. What new characteristics of relationship exist for His followers because of the Cross and resurrection?
- What do you think is the significance of Jesus concluding this entire segment of teaching found in chapters 13-16 with the words about overcoming and peace found in verse 33?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? How will that shape your life in the coming week? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.