BSF John Lesson 26 Day 4 – An Intimate Look at Jesus’ Farewell Sermon

Have you ever felt the sting of impending separation from someone you love? The anticipation of that last goodbye can be bittersweet, filled with both sadness and the cherished memories of time spent together. In John 14-17, we witness Jesus, the Son of God, facing a similar reality. He knows His time with His disciples is drawing to a close, and He is preparing them for His departure. This section of John, known as Jesus’ Farewell Discourse, is filled with profound truths and promises that offer us comfort and hope in our own times of farewell.

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This week’s BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) lesson delves into John 14-17, specifically focusing on Day 4’s passage, John 16:16-33. We will explore Jesus’ comforting words about the Holy Spirit and the trials His disciples will face. This study isn’t just about a historical event, but rather an examination of timeless truths that resonate with us today. As we journey through this passage, think about how you’ve experienced these teachings in your own life.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

A Promise of Comfort

The passage opens with Jesus comforting His disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit: “Very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). Jesus’ departure wasn’t a betrayal or a leaving in anger. He went to prepare a place for them (John 14:2), and He knew the Holy Spirit was essential to guide them through the challenging days ahead.

The Holy Spirit’s role is multifaceted. He is an Advocate, meaning He will intercede for them, advocate on their behalf, and empower them to stand strong in the face of adversity. He is also their Helper, providing strength, guidance, and support. This is a message that resonates deeply today. We often find ourselves facing challenges that feel overwhelming, but the Holy Spirit empowers us to navigate them with courage and grace.

A Mysterious Identity

Jesus further explains that the Holy Spirit is something they don’t yet fully understand: “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak whatever he hears, and he will tell you things that are yet to come” (John 16:12-13). The Holy Spirit will unveil truths that they weren’t ready to grasp before, leading them into a deeper understanding of God’s will and purposes.

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A Catalyst for Joy

In a world often marked by sorrow and pain, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will bring joy: “But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:7-8). The Holy Spirit’s work doesn’t erase suffering, but instead brings a deeper understanding of God’s love, justice, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. This provides the foundation for a joy that endures even in the midst of hardship.

Facing Grief and Sorrow

A Promise of Peace

Jesus is acutely aware of the pain His disciples will endure: “I have told you these things so that you will not be shaken. You will be expelled from the synagogues; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.” (John 16:2-3). This foreshadows the persecution and suffering the early church would face. Jesus is preparing them for this, assuring them that although they will face persecution, their faith will not be shaken.

A Promise of Reuniting

While sadness and grief are inevitable, Jesus reassures His disciples that they won’t be completely alone: “I have told you these things while with you, so that when these things happen you will remember that I told you. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you. Now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’” (John 16:4-5). This poignant reminder reinforces the power of remembering God’s promises in the midst of difficult times. The disciples might not fully comprehend what Jesus is saying, but they are assured that He will return, and they will be reunited again.

A Promise of Hope

Jesus concludes this section with a powerful promise of hope: “If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. I have told you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not say much more to you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, but the world must know that I love the Father and do just what the Father has commanded me. Rise, let us go from here.” (John 16:10-13). Jesus is reminding his disciples – and us – that even in the face of great darkness, hope will prevail. While the ruler of this world may try to cause chaos and destruction, Jesus is ultimately victorious over evil, and His love and power will ultimately triumph.

The Purpose of Trials

Testing Faith and Growing Deeper

Through these passages, Jesus highlights that suffering and trials are not unexpected events destined to break us. Instead, they are opportunities for growth, strengthening our faith and drawing us closer to God. In this context, pain is not a punishment but a crucible that refines our character and reveals our true strength.

A Window into Deeper Truths

Jesus’ words, though delivered in a poignant moment of farewell, transcend the specific historical context. They speak to the universal human experience of grief, loss, and the search for meaning. By understanding Jesus’ farewell discourse, we gain a deeper appreciation for the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the power of enduring through hardship, and the ultimate victory of God’s love and grace. The passage serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there is always a way forward, a promise of reunion, and the assurance that we are never truly alone.

Bsf John Lesson 26 Day 4

Conclusion

Examining John 16:16-33 within the wider context of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse offers a powerful reminder of the promises God bestows upon His people. Through the coming of the Holy Spirit, we find comfort, guidance, and the strength to overcome obstacles. Though trials and pain may come, we are equipped with God’s love and promises to navigate them with resilience and grace. This journey of faith, marked by both joy and adversity, leads to a deeper understanding of God’s will and an unshakeable hope in His ultimate victory. May these truths serve as a source of comfort and strength in your own walk of faith.

As you continue studying this week’s lesson, delve deeper into the passages and consider how the messages resonate with your own life experiences. How have you seen the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? How have you navigated difficult times while clinging to God’s promises? Share your thoughts and experiences with your BSF group, enriching the study and creating a space of shared understanding and encouragement. May your journey through this lesson be a source of growth and inspiration, strengthening your faith and bringing you closer to God.