John 16:1-7 – Expectations
Jesus tells His disciples what they can expect in the future. Instead of receiving them and their message with gratitude, the world will hate them, despitefully use them, and put them to death. And worst of all, their persecutors will actually persuade themselves that it is right to persecute them! The book of Acts shows this prophecy coming true. We shouldn’t be surprised to hear of true Christians being persecuted even today. Human nature never changes. Grace is never really popular. And let us not forget that not all zeal is right – it may be zeal without knowledge. Some think they are doing God’s service, when they are actually fighting against His truth, and trampling on His people. Let us pray that we may have light as well as zeal.
Jesus explains why He is telling His disciples this. He doesn’t want them to be working under false expectations. He wants them to be prepared. They must not look for a smooth road and a easy journey. They must make up their minds to battles, conflicts, wounds, opposition, persecution, and perhaps even death. Jesus tells them all that is before them, in faithfulness and love, that when the time of trial comes, they can remember His words, and not be disappointed. To count the cost is something every Christian needs to do. No Christian is in a healthy state of mind who is not prepared for trouble and persecution. We never can tell what is before us in life. But of one thing we may be very sure: we must carry the cross if we would wear the crown.
Questions
- What does Jesus tell His disciples to expect?
- Why does He tell them?
- Why do we need to count the cost?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would be able to face persecution.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.