The Gospel of John: John 16.16-33

Read and meditate on John 16.33
The world can be a scary and dangerous place, as the disciples would shortly learn. But it doesn’t matter, because we have a source of peace nothing in this world can defeat or deter.

³³“These things I say to you, that in Me you
may dwell in peace. In this world, you will know
great tribulation. Be of good cheer, though,
for I have overcome the world.”

- John 16.33

Reflect
1.  What did Jesus mean by saying that in Him we have peace? What kind of peace? How do we experience that peace? Why does it matter? That is, what’s so precious about peace? Complete this prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Your peace, because in Your peace, I…

2.  In what sense is that wonderful peace in Jesus? That is, why is Jesus our source of peace, and not agreeable circumstances or conditions? How do we lay hold on that peace that is in Jesus? Nothing can keep me from You and Your peace, Lord, except…

3.  English translations are a little misleading when it comes to the word rendered be of good cheer in this verse. What it really means is “to have confidence and firmness of purpose in the face of danger or testing – to be courageous, to have courage, to be bold” (Louw & Nida), or “to be of good courage, be of good cheer…to be confident, hopeful; to be bold, maintain a bold bearing” (Mounce). When we are facing situations that threaten our peace, what does Jesus command us to do? How can we do that? How does this relate to being at peace in Jesus? Father, help me always to have courage and to keep on…

4.  Jesus says plainly (not figuratively) that as long as we are in this world we can expect to know tribulation. Such as? Why? Shouldn’t our Christian life be all ease and happiness? Explain. Prepare me, Father, to face times of testing and trial by…

5.  In what sense has Jesus overcome the world? Since Jesus has overcome the world like this, does it make sense for us to continue trying to live in this world, on its terms, rather than in the Kingdom as it is coming? Explain. Bring together into one your prayers from questions 1-4.

Summary
“When he says, ‘These things have I spoken to you, that in me you might have peace,’ he refers not only to what he has just said but also to what he had said all along, either from the time that he first had disciples, or since the supper, when he began this long and wonderful discourse.… He declares this to be the object of his whole discourse, that is, that in him they might have peace. And this peace will have no end but is itself the end of every godly action and intention.” Augustine (354-430 AD)

Peace is the Kingdom condition that accompanies living out the Kingdom character, which is righteousness. As we live that character and know that condition, joy is the abiding consequence of Kingdom life (Rom. 14.17, 18). We can only know such peace joy when we are in Jesus. But when we are in Jesus, nothing in the world can deprive us of our peace and joy. How can believers encourage one another with this promise?

Closing Prayer
The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation.
The voice of rejoicing and salvation
Is in the tents of the righteous;
The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
The right hand of the LORD is exalted;
The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
I shall not die, but live,
And declare the works of the LORD.

Psalm 118.14-17

Psalm 118.14-18 (St. George’s Windsor: Come, Ye Thankful People, Come )
In the Savior we are strong! He is all our strength and song!
To His grace now raise your voice; in His righteousness rejoice!
For the Lord does valiantly; we shall live eternally.
Praise His works with all your breath, you whom He redeems from death.
T. M. Moore

We are happy to offer each week’s Scriptorium studies in a free weekly PDF, suitable for personal or group use. You can download all the studies in our series on the Gospel of John by clicking here. Need help learning to pray the psalms? Order the book, God’s Prayer Program, and discover why and how to realize the power of the psalms to transform your prayer life (click here).

Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.