The Gospel of John is written that you and I might believe.
Not cross our fingers
Not wish on a star.
Not dream about.
Believe.
Remember…
John the Baptist called us to believe (John 1:7).
Jesus called us to believe through his signs and miracles. Some believed, others not. (John 2:11, 4:53, 9:37, 11:45-46, and the unforgettable 6:66).
As we tuck ourselves in the upper room, Jesus instructs:
Believe in God, believe in me (14:1).
If you want to know God, know Christ. If you want to believe in God, believe in Christ.
As we dive into today’s reading #LentChallenge Beloved in John 16:1-15, we discover…
Even the sturdiest belief will be challenged.
A sadness sinks into our hearts. The disciples feel the inky emotional weight, too.
But Jesus doesn’t leave us or the disciples there.
The Precious One promises that a Friend is on the way. The Holy Spirit will help us make sense both of what has happened and what is about to happen.
He will tell you what is yet to come. (16:13)
That same verb “declare” or “announce” appears more than 50 times in the book of Isaiah. This is one of the gifts of God—He declares what is to come.
If you peak into John 16:16-33, Jesus promises grief will transform into joy right before our eyes, right within our hearts.
I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh for you (16:22).
Ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (16:24)
Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (16:33).
Reading John 16 plunged me into an emotional washing machine.
All the feels. Sad. Mad. Happy. Hopeful.
But it’s the last line that gripped my heart.
Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (16:33)
That verb for “overcome” only occurs once in the Old Testament in Psalm 51:4 (which is referred to in Romans 3:4)*.
And it refers to God as a Conquerer.
The One who is proved right when He speaks, the One who prevails when he judges.
As I read this, I was suddenly aware of how little comfort I take in these words of Jesus.
All too often I forget Jesus has overcome the world. So I think I have to do it on my own.
Yet good cheer awaits when we remember…
We are not alone.
We do not face anything for which Christ is unfamiliar.
We can lean into the Holy Spirit and ask, “What do you want me to do today?”
We can look to Christ who has Conquered all.
Today, will you join me in allowing those words to rumble and roll within our spiritual bellies?
Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
What did you least want to read, but most need to hear in today’s reading?
(If you have any questions post them below. We’ll be collecting and gathering responses for insight from New Testament scholar, Craig Blomberg in the upcoming weeks).
Day 29: John 16:1-15 Discussion Questions:
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life?
- Ask the Holy Spirit, “What do you want me to today?” Live spiritually alert to how He might answer.
- How has your belief in God been challenged, strengthened, or deepened during this study of the Gospel of John.
- Using the Color Method, what stood out to you most from today’s reading?
- What do you find most challenging about today’s reading? What do you find most comforting about today’s reading?
Recommended Resources:
Talking with God by Adam Weber
Gospel Fluency by Jeff Vanderstelt
Fight Back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg
*John by Andreas J. Kostenberger pp. 149-150.
Day 1 | John 1:1-18 | Ash Wednesday: Your Invitation to Discover the Beloved
Day 2 | John 1:19-34 | This One Question Will Leave You Undone
Day 3 | John 1: 35-51 | What to Tell Your Children Before It’s Too Late
Day 4 | John 2:1-12 | The Shocking Miracle of Water Becoming Wine
Day 7 | John 3:22-36 | There’s a Hidden Slip N’ Slide in the Bible — I Found It!
Day 9 | John 5:1-17 | How to Overcome Jealousy
Day 12 | John 6:15-35 | What to Do When You Doubt God
Day 14 | John 7:1-39 | What’s the Difference Between Dead and Living Water?
Day 16 | John 8:1-1 | You Stumped Me… Again
Day 17 | John 8:12-59 | 7 Surprises in the Gospel of John
Day 18 | John 9 | What does spiritual blindness really cost you?
Day 22 | John 12:1-11 | What’s Your Signature Spiritual Scent?
Day 23 | John 12:12-50 | Here is a Method That is Helping Me Relinquish Control
Day 25 | John 15:1-11 | What Does a Vinter See in John 15?
Day 29 | John 16:1-15 | Little Known Ways to Be of Good Cheer
Day 31 | John 17 | The Truth About Soul Talk
Day 33 | John 18:12-40 | Was it Judas or Satan Working through Judas
Day 35 | John 19:16-30 | What’s a Woman’s Role?
Day 39 | John 21:1-14 | Why is the Weight of the Wait So Heavy on Good Friday?
Day 40 | John 21:15-25 | The Most Powerful Lesson I Learned During Lent
More & more God and the Holy Spirit increase in frequency in these chapters the deeper we read into the Book of John. Jesus seems to be wrapping up His role.
Yes, he sure does!
The Holy Spirit has opened the doors for me. It is amazing to see the blessings he has for me. I will be working 3-4 hours a week cleaning my friends house. Also I will be babysitting a foster kid in June. The hours are long and speratic. I am convinced that God will give me the strength and guidance to be a mom to this child. He has challenged me in many ways imaginable. I love to volunteer and help people. I also like to gather with some friends and play bunco once every 2nd thursday of the month. It is very fun and can enjoy some me time. Looking forward to spending Easter with my family and loved ones. I am so honored and blessed to be part of this bible study. God has been speaking to me every time I answer questions. I love that part. It encourages me more.
WOW! You bless my socks off!