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279. Clarity

John 16:17-33
Key Verse: "I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
John 16:28

The light bulb goes on and now, the disciples finally get it. Jesus has plainly stated that He is Messiah. No one would make that claim in jest, for to do so would be blasphemy, worthy of stoning by God's own law. Jesus has spoken using metaphor and figurative speech up to now, especially with the Jewish leadership. Now, among His closest friends on this earth, He has spoken plainly and they understand.

What made it clear to them? It's hard to put a finger on exactly what. He demonstrated for them once again that He knew what they were thinking and that obviously played its part. There was the entire history of their walk with Him, the miracles, the teachings, the compassion, it all came together finally, for this one brief moment of conviction. "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that You came from God." (John 16:29-30) For that brief moment in time, the veil was lifted. It would resettle again in just a matter of hours and soon be replaced by doubt and despair. This moment was a precious one for all of them because Jesus knew that they knew and they knew that they knew as well.

Yet, Jesus continues to do what He can to prepare them. He continues to hold up a picture of grief and struggle because, after knowing Him, things can never be the same. They are His now and no longer of the world. The world hates Him and so the world will hate us. In His final words, He leaves His friends with one more tool to help them in the journey that they will soon be on.

"I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask, and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." (John 16:23B-24) What a powerful tool this is. Solomon claimed that, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10) Even just the Lord's name is a refuge of protection.

This does not mean that Jesus is our vending machine. Remember that He has told us what will really bring us joy is not the prospect of having any thing we want.  Real joy is in having a living relationship with Jesus.  "I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” No matter what, the Holy Spirit will help you know that Jesus is with you. You know that He is alive and no one can take that away. In Him, you will ask for the things that will bring Him glory. He will not refuse such a request.

Then, Finally, Jesus repeats what he said earlier in (14:27), just to clinch the deal. "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

May God bless the reading of His Word and may it minister to us, His disciples of today.

Hymn: (chorus) "Heavenly Father I Appreciate You”

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