Prior Information - Pt. 9
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | August 29 2024 | John 16:5-7
KEY VERSE:
None of you asks me “Where are You going“. Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things.“John 16:5b & 6 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
John 16:5b presents a challenging thought. The question “Where are You going?” had already been asked twice during Jesus' discourse with His disciples—first by Peter in John 13:36 and later by Thomas in John 14:5. This repetition might puzzle us, prompting us to wonder why Jesus brings it up again here.
While various interpretations have been proposed, we won’t delve into them in this forum. Instead, let’s focus on what Jesus said in verse 6: the disciples were overwhelmed with grief because of what Jesus had told them.
Jesus had said three significant things:
- Expulsion from Synagogues;
- Being killed; and
- His imminent return to heaven.
Parting is always difficult, whether through death, relocation, or other life changes. The disciples’ primary source of sorrow was the impending departure of Jesus. Sorrow can be paralyzing; in Luke 22:45, we learn that the disciples were "asleep, exhausted from sorrow" (NIV).
When faced with sorrow, we should look to Jesus as our example. Although He was sorrowful unto death, He sought solace in prayer (Matthew 26:36-46). The disciples' grief was partly due to their misunderstanding of the Messiah’s mission, which is captured in two key instances:
On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples expressed their disappointment in deliverance that never took place (Luke 24:21).
Even in Acts 1:6, they are living in anticipation of the Restoration of the Kingdom (Political One) to Israel.
Proverbs 13:12 wisely states, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick," which aptly describes their situation.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Sadly, many today fall into misconceptions, doctrines, and practices that make them impervious to the truth. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, please extend Your grace to all who are sincere yet tragically mistaken. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: GRIEF
The term "grief" in John 16:6 comes from the Greek word "λύπη" (lupē), which denotes sorrow, distress, or deep emotional pain. It often signifies a profound sense of loss or mourning. In the context of this passage, it reflects the disciples' emotional turmoil and sorrow upon learning of Jesus' imminent departure.
Jesus acknowledges the disciples' grief over His announcement that He will leave them and return to the Father. The disciples are filled with sorrow because they are focused on the immediate loss of Jesus' physical presence rather than the larger redemptive plan unfolding. Jesus points out their grief not to chastise them but to prepare them for the coming events and to assure them that His departure, while painful, is necessary for the arrival of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and empower them.
Reflections:
Jesus understands our grief and invites us to trust in His greater purpose. How can you trust God’s plan in moments of grief, believing He is working for your ultimate good?
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