1. The Lord Jesus had taught deep and complex truths
2. He now summarises what He had taught
25 “These things I have spoken to you in figurative language; but the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figurative language, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27 for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. 28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.” 29 His disciples said to Him, “See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! 30 Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:25-33
1. The use of “Figurative language”
a) This is a normal part of language
b) Figurative language is used if the subject is complex
c) The Disciples had difficulty understanding
2. The use of “Plain language”
a) To explain the idea of God as “Father”
b) Hopefully, this would be easier to comprehend
THE DOCTRINE OF GOD AS FATHER
1. It is not a new doctrine
2. This was taught by the prophets of old
3. This doctrine has to be learned well!
FEATURES OF GOD AS FATHER HIGHLIGHTED
1. Praying to God the Father John 16:26
a) We pray to God the Father (The Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:9-13)
b) We pray in the name of the Lord Jesus
c) They will pray to the Father with greater understanding
d) The Lord Jesus would not need to explain further
2. Love of God the Father
a) He loves us
b) Because of our faith in the Lord Jesus and our love for Him John 16:27
3. Coming from the Father and returning to Him (John 16:28)
a) This had been stated many times
b) It was stated once again
THE DECLARED UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISCIPLES
1. They declared that they understand better now (John 16:29-30)
a) They are clear in their understanding
b) No more need to raise questions
2. Did they really fully comprehend?
THE RESPONSE OF THE LORD JESUS
1. He knew the Disciples far better
2. His prediction about the Disciples
a) They will be scattered
b) They will flee from the Lord Jesus (John 16:32)
PERSONAL AND DEEP ASSURANCE
1. His Father is with Him
2. He is not alone (John 16:32)
A WORD OF COMFORT TO THE DISCIPLES
1. Tribulation in the world
This is to be expected
2. Peace amidst tribulation
To be found in the Lord Jesus
3. Having good cheer because He has overcome the world (John 16:33)
CONCLUSION
1. Understanding is of vital significance
2. But Relationship with God through faith is just as vital
3. Tribulation will be like fire that tests the quality of our faith