Jesus’ terrible predictions
As their last night together began, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and warned them that one of them would betray Him. After Judas left, He told them that he was leaving, and that Peter would deny Him. (John 13)
Do not worry
He told them not to worry because he would prepare a place for them and return. (John 14:1-4)
He reassured them that he was the only way to God.
The Holy Spirit was coming
He also told them that the Holy Spirit was coming to empower their work. (John 14:5-31)
What followed was a powerful illustration that summed up His teaching. Jesus was the vine, the Father was the gardener and his followers were the branches. The Father would prune and cut until the branches were as fruitful as possible. If his followers obeyed his commands and loved one another that would bear permanent fruit. (John 15:1-17)
Jesus then told them the three characteristics of their future.
The world would hate them. Jesus was being rejected and His followers would be as well. Some of those who hated His followers would even do it for religious reasons. (John 15:18-16:4)
Secondly, the Holy Spirit would empower their lives after Jesus left. At the Transfiguration the disciples wanted to set up shelters to keep everyone with them. Jesus needed to leave. The cross, resurrection and ascension must come before Pentecost and the outpouring of the Spirit. (Matthew 17:1-13; John 16:5-16)
Finally, in the end they would find joy in the victory of God and His Kingdom. This is prefigured in a short cycle of the death and the resurrection of Jesus. This points to a longer time from Pentecost until the Second Coming. (John 16:17-38)
Jesus told them about these things in advance so that they would know that He is the Lord of history. He was not taken by surprise. He is in control even if it might be easy to conclude that the cause is lost, and they must be His witnesses. (John 15:27; 16:1, 4)
The evening ended with the disciples confidently declaring that they understood everything Jesus had said, and they believed that He came from God. Jesus brought them back to reality when He predicted that in a few moments they would all scatter and abandon Him. However, the Father was with Him. Jesus reminded them that He had told them these things so that they would have peace in Him. In the world they would have trouble. However, the world is not invincible, Jesus had endured and overcame the forces of evil
Our situation is the same today.
We are confident and fail but we can find peace and hope in Christ.
All will not follow Him, and we are pilgrims here.
We will be opposed, and we will not fit in.
But, in the end the Kingdom of God will prevail.
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