Sunday – Persecuted for Christ: John 15:26-16:3
Jesus foretells the persecution the body of believers will face after His crucifixion. He warns His disciples about zealots who believe they are doing the will of God in condemning Jesus’ followers, but don’t understand the revelation of who Jesus really is, hinting to the role that Saul (the Apostle Paul) played in the persecution of the early church. Jesus points out the persecution to come so that when His disciples are faced with these trials, they will remember that He not only predicted the circumstances, but prepared them to face the hardships.
Monday – The Need to Depart: John 16:4-7
It is typical of mankind to want to know all the details about events we are about to face, yet in this passage the disciples don’t ask Jesus to clarify His predictions. They are too filled with grief. They have left all and consciously dedicated their lives to follow Him, but He now shares with them that He must leave them. It shocks them and renders them speechless! But Jesus stresses that His leaving is critical. He knows what they don’t yet comprehend: that in leaving, He will fulfill scripture, bring them life abundant, and open the Kingdom of Heaven.
Tuesday – The Mission of the Holy Spirit: John 16:8-15
One of the reasons Jesus’ departure was necessary was to bring the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brought conviction to mankind, convincing the world of sin and the nature of sin and pricking the soul into a conscious awareness of the need for righteousness, particularly in the face of impending judgment. The Holy Spirit brought comfort to broken and heavy hearts, revealing the salvation and unfailing love of God. Additionally, the Holy Spirit became our guide, leading us to understand truth and revealing the hidden spiritual things of God to our natural man. By the power of God’s Spirit, the work of God is done in our lives.
Wednesday – Joy by Transformation: John 16:16-22
Jesus compared the event of His death and resurrection to that of childbirth, giving the disciples a framework to explain what they were about to experience. The word used for woman’s “anguish” (thlipsis) is also used to describe tribulation (Daniel 12:1 and Zephaniah 1:14-15). But this tribulation will be felt for only a short time. Then their grief will be turned to joy.
Thursday – “Ask, and You Will Receive”: John 16:23-28
In verse 23, the first word “ask” is the Greek word “erotao” (John 16:30) which is used for asking questions. The other “ask” is the word “aiteo” (also v. 26) which means to beseech or petition. Jesus is instructing that His relationship with the disciples is about to change. They will no longer need to ask Him questions because what they have been asking about will soon become clear. And soon their petitions of God will be asked “in Jesus’ name.”
Friday – “Do You Now Believe?”: John 16:29-31
The disciples finally came to an understanding that Jesus was sent from God. But Jesus questions that though they believe it now during peaceful times, would they still believe when the persecutions and tribulations were upon them. It is in the midst of crisis that our faith needs to be unshakeable, declaring, “Yes, we believe!”
Saturday – Encouraged in Tribulation: John 16:32-33
Although the disciples expressed belief in Him, Jesus knew that they would soon be tried in their belief. They would face persecution for their faith. They would be separated by circumstances of life and not have each other to lean on. But Jesus encouraged them to have courage (cheer) because in His victory over the world, they could experience victory, too. Remembering what Christ has accomplished brings His followers tremendous hope.