A study of John 16:1-7 reveals Jesus speaking about the disciples’ future, a reminder of where Jesus is going, and the advantage of him leaving and the Helper arriving.
A study of John 16:1-7 reveals Jesus speaking about the disciples’ future.
I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. (ESV, John 16:1-2)
Jesus just told his disciples what to expect when he is gone. Hate and persecution from the world. The advanced notice was so they didn’t fall away when it happened. The Greek word for “fall away” is skandalizō, which means to trip up, fall away, stumble, or lead into ruin. In other words, he tells the disciples God is not punishing or abandoning you when you experience hate and persecution. So don’t leave your faith. Instead, expect and endure what will come. And the same truth applies today.
Furthermore, they would be put out of the synagogue, which is the Greek word apŏsunagōgŏs. To be put out of the synagogue meant both religious and social ostracization because the synagogue was such an intregal part of Jewish life. The very threat of it was a powerful form of control by the religious leaders. In John 9:22 the Jews agreed to put out of the synagogue anyone who acknowledged Jesus was the Christ. And John 12:42 says there were Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus that wouldn’t openly confess him for the same reason.
Violence against people you disagree with.
Finally, Jesus tells his disciples some people who believe they are serving God will even try to kill them. Sound familiar? The Jewish religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus because he was a threat to them. And they finally succeeded by enciting a crowd to clamor for his crucifixion. God allowed it because it was part of his redemptive plan for humanity.
Today, we still wonder why people will kill and celebrate the death of others they simply disagree with. And Jesus provides the answer in V.3. Because they have not known the Father, nor me. Jesus repeats what he said in John 15:21. The Greek word for “to know” is oida and is not intellectual but relational knowledge. To know Jesus as personal savior and follow him as Lord. And followers of Jesus are instructed to read and obey his word, which forbids murder. So it is not an option for his disciples.
Religious service does not replace genuine faith.
The Greek word for “offer service” is latreian prospherein, which means religious service offered to God. It is an outward display of religious service and does not automatically mean a genuine faith and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Following a fanatical cause rather than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can lead people into misplaced and even violent actions that are disconnected to God’s word.
The Apostle Paul is an example. He was originally Saul, a devout, Jewish zealot who activately persecuted the early church. But he was radically transformed into a powerful witness of the Gospel when Jesus personally appeared to him on the Road to Damascus. It is the power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that makes the difference. Not fanatical behavior. Paul’s remarkable story appears in Acts 9:1–6, 22:3–5; 26:9–11, and 1 Timothy 1:13–16. And he demonstrates an important spiritual truth. You can be devout, sincere, and completely wrong if you reject Jesus Christ.
A study of John 16:1-7 reveals a reminder of where Jesus is going.
I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going? (ESV, John 16:4-5)
The disciples didn’t ask it, but the question was probably written on their faces. Why are you telling us all this? So Jesus explains. He is telling them everything to expect to prepare them for what is ahead. He didn’t talk about it before because he was with them and absorbed all the hostility from his enemies. But after he returns to the father, the hate and persecution that had targeted him will be directed at them. And he is preparing them for it.
The news of Jesus’ near departure probably weighed heavily on the disciples’ hearts. Along with many confusing thoughts. Jesus had mentioned his eventual return to the father on multiple, prior occasions. Peter asked him about it in John 13:36 as did Thomas in John 14:5. But this time they all remained quiet. And Jesus remarked on the absence of questions.
From our vantage point today, we know the future Jesus is discussing. He’s about to be crucified and raised from the dead. Then he’ll ascend to the father, send the Holy Spirit in his place, and the New Testament church is born. This is good news for us today and might have been for the disciples too if they fully understood what Jesus was telling them. But they didn’t at the moment. And maybe they didn’t ask any questions because they didn’t want to hear more bad news.
A study of John 16:1-7 reveals the advantage of Jesus leaving and the Helper arriving.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. (ESV, John 16:7)
Jesus explains that his leaving presents an advantage because he will send them the Helper in his place. The Greek word for “advantage” is sympherei, which means for your benefit or advantage. And likely didn’t provide any comfort since they had no idea who Jesus was talking about. The Greek word for “Helper” is paraklētos, which means one called alongside to help, strengthen, advocate, and comfort. Who we know as the third person of the trinity–the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit continues the work of Christ as he indwells believers as witnesses, multiplies churches, and sends out missionaries to proclaim the gospel. In his human form Jesus worked within the limitation of time and place. But the Spirit works as the omniscient and omnipresent God who empowers believers individually as disciples and mobilizes them collectively as the church.
The point Jesus made to the disciples is he was not leaving his ministry undone. And they should not feel defeated or abandoned. He had prepared them to carry his ministry forward and would empower them though the Holy Spirit. As he still does today.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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