Summary of passage: Jesus says he is leaving, but they disciples will see him again after the Resurrection and he appears before them.. The grief will turn to joy once they realize all Jesus’ death means. When they see him again, they will know all. If you ask for things in Jesus name, God will give them whatever they ask and they will have complete joy.
You will pray in Jesus’ name. At last, the disciples get it and Jesus rejoices. A time will come when they will be scattered. In Jesus, they will have peace even though in this world they will have trouble.
Questions:
11a) If we have faith in Jesus and ask in his name, God will answer our prayers according to His will.
b) Personal Question. My answer: To do His will through my writings and my kids.
12) Personal Question. My answer: Whether to work for money in the immediate future or whether to work for Him for patience for money to come.
13) Personal Question. My answer: Jesus has overcome Satan to rule and despite any troubles we will be with him one day. Knowing I’m following him despite troubles is a great comfort.
Conclusions: Personal day. Understanding who Jesus is and belief in Him will allow God to answer all our prayers.
End Notes: The disciples didn’t know like we do that he is about to be arrested and crucified. Jesus is telling them he will rise from the dead. This obviously would confuse anyone.
The disciples are talking among themselves, asking if anyone knows what Jesus is saying here. Jesus interrupts them to give them more clarity. He says their grief will turn to joy once all is revealed. This is true. We see no writings of regret from the apostles. They got it after all!
The disciples will have access to God through Jesus by speaking in Jesus’ name. There will be no need for Jesus to do it for them. They can go directly to God in prayer since they have loved him and have faith in him and God will hear them.
Our love for God is evidence that He loves us. Jesus’ death shows God’s love and God’s love is the reason for Jesus’ death–so we can be saved.
Verse 28 is a summary of God’s love and work for us: Jesus is God, born into this world as man, and he will die and rise again into heaven.
The disciples declare they finally get it, but Jesus warns their faith will be shaken and tested. They will leave Jesus, but he won’t be alone–God will not abandon him (nor us) ever. It would be God and Jesus at the cross–together forever.
He concludes his discourse with his disciples, offering them peace in Him. It’s not a promise; we have to find it. He offers peace with God and peace with others and peace realized through conflict and struggle, which is promised we’ll have.
Fun Fact: Jesus speaks of his victory. “Overcome” is used only once here but 22 times in the 1 John and Revelation.
The world conquers when it comes between you and God. Jesus is in control. He never abandons us. He loves us. He overcomes. Be of good cheer!
