The Conflict

 

Chapter 16      Overcoming

Jesus continues His teaching on the Christian and the world.  We have seen the Christian and Christ as pictured in the vine (15v1-8); the Christian in the Church (15v9-17); the Christian and the World (15v18-27).  In the latter section He spoke of the character of the world, in which Christianity would develop, as being hostile in mind to God and His people.  Now in chapter 16 He elaborates on the conditions that will prevail as Christianity grows.  

What to expect from the hostile world    v1-6   The hatred of the world to God and His people would, at times, be very severe and He prepares them for it.  They are about to learn just how severe in His own suffering for them, which commenced in just a few hours.  They were not to expect any different treatment.

“These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.” 

Such will be the severity of the situation, they will excommunicate you from the synagogues, and they will even kill you, believing that thus they are serving God.  Religious fanaticism will be the order of the day, and history is replete with such atrocities to this present day.  They will do this out of blind ignorance of the Father.  To be forewarned is to be forearmed.  Alienation and persecution in the world will be the order of things.  I have waited until now to tell you these things, for the time is near.  In the beginning you were not ready to receive this, but now you know what to expect. 

“But now I go my way to Him that sent me, and none of you asketh me Whither goest thou?  But because I have said these things unto you sorrow hath filled your heart.”  Suddenly despair had descended on the little group, what with the treachery of Judas, and the stated departure of Jesus, and the prediction of suffering, these disciples were somewhat disillusioned.  It is the way of God, only to reveal to us things on a “need to know” basis, and this way it is easier to accept.