QUESTION #42 Do you now believe?

QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED BIBLE STUDY


 








Read John 16 KJV: 

 

*  Do you now believe? (John 16:31)

 

DO YOU NOW BELIEVE?

Reference: John 16

 

There is not a person alive on this earth who doesn’t have troubles. Times of difficulty will arrive unexpectedly, often remain indefinitely, and the sorrowful memories they produce take deep root in the mind.  It is no wonder then, why Jesus’ promise in vs 33 also takes deep root in the minds and hearts of many Christians, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

In chapter 16, Jesus speaks to the disciples of His impending death and departure, as well as their desertion. Jesus tells them, “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.” Jesus was trying to tell them that in just a little while they would not see Him. That they would be sorrowful, that they would weep, but the world would rejoice. But He assured them they would see Him again, and their sorrow would be turned into joy.

 

Certainly, this must have been difficult for the disciples to understand because they turn to one another asking, “What is it that He is saying? We do not understand.” They asked Him, “Speak to us plainly.” Jesus then asked them, “Do you now believe?... these things I have spoken to you, so that you will have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world!”

 

This chapter reveals Jesus’ final words of reassurance, comfort, and encouragement to His disciples before His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion.

 

In this chapter, we see two certain realities. First, the followers of Jesus will suffer great distress. Second, Jesus has already won the victory! He didn’t want his disciples to be under the delusion that their future ministry would be full of ease and comfort, and He doesn’t want us to think that either.

 

The certainty of trouble applies, not only to Jesus’ disciples, but to all who follow Him. The Apostle Paul stated bluntly in 2 Timothy 3:12, “All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Anyone who claims that believing in Jesus brings financial prosperity, physical health, and perfect relationships hasn’t read the Bible. Life is tough and the Christian life is often tougher. 

 

The Bible, far from dodging this fact, acknowledges it and embraces it. Jesus Himself guaranteed it. And instead of promising to eliminate trouble from our lives, Jesus instead promises to give peace and comfort in the midst of trouble.

 

It is also important to know that true and lasting courage must be based in an assurance, not in ourselves, but in Christ. Whenever Jesus uttered the phrase, “Take heart” or “be of good courage,” he always backed it up with an assurance regarding His own work.

 

Jesus’ claim of victory over the world is in reference to His death, burial, and resurrection. In Hebrews 2:14-15 it states that Jesus came to earth “so that by his death He might destroy him who holds the power of death -- that is the devil -- and deliver those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

 

The finished work of Christ removes the teeth from suffering and death. By entering into the world and suffering alongside of us, Jesus offers certain hope that transcends the temporal sorrows and suffering this world throws at His followers.

 

Therefore, we are not called to overcome the world ourselves because Jesus already did. He provides His children with a certain future -- “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” and “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade” (2 Peter 1:1-3). It is because of this reality that we can “take heart” and “be of good courage.”

 

Therefore, we are called to take heart, not in our own abilities or will power, but in the finished work of Jesus.

 

Do you now believe (understand)?

 

 

Notes:

 

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