Everything Jesus taught the disciples would become clear in the new day of His resurrection (16:25-28). He had taught them much in their three years together, and would clarify those truths over the forty days between His resurrection and ascension. His teaching methods had challenged them to think seriously about Him. His resurrection would confirm Him as the personal revelation of the Father, while the full light of resurrection would also have a maturing effect on them. With the Holy Spirit coming at Pentecost, they would “turn the world upside down” with the Good News of Jesus (Acts 17:6, KJV).
Jesus’ resurrection would open direct access in prayer to the Father (16:26-27). Faith (theirs) and faithfulness (His) already had established a loving faith relationship. That was a given. Jesus’ mission had proclaimed God’s plan of salvation (16:28). He revealed the Father to the world through perfect obedience in every way. His resurrection became not only the crowning event of His incarnation, it was the greatest event in all history. His return to the Father would affirm His mission and point to the resurrection for all who believe in Him.
The disciples’ understanding was weak but growing (16:29-30). They were correct that Jesus came from God. They did have some grasp of His coming and return (16:29). Their understanding was valid as far as it went, but they were saying more than they really knew. They still failed to grasp the impact on them of His death and ascension (16:30). One’s confession of faith is in the Person of the Son of God, not in ascertaining how much He knows.
Misunderstanding would show itself shortly (16:31-32). Jesus’ question was a wakeup call. He was awakening them to harsh realities ahead. Their strength of faith would be tested: “You will go away in all directions” (16:32, BBE; Zechariah 13:7)). The Father, in contrast, would be ever near: “They who suffer for their loyalty to the will of God are not abandoned by God, but are sustained in their very suffering by Him who shares it with them” (Rowley).
Jesus’ faithfulness and teaching promised both peace with God for them and His victory over the world (16:33). Faith in Him, however, ensured they would be targeted by the unbelieving world. “Tribulation” comes all too common for anyone, but especially so for those who trust in Jesus and stand strong in faith in Him.
Dr. David Moore can be contacted at dm5867se@outlook.com
