The Weekly Show: Episode 58 - John 16:1-15

Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 16 Verses 1-15

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

 Introduction to John 16:1–15

As Jesus continues His Farewell Discourse, He shifts from warning about the world’s hatred to offering comfort and clarity about what lies ahead. In John 16:1–15, Jesus prepares His disciples for the hardship of persecution and the sorrow of His departure, while also revealing the powerful role of the Holy Spirit.

This passage is both sobering and hopeful. Jesus doesn’t downplay the pain they will face—He tells them plainly that they will be cast out, hated, and even targeted by those who believe they are doing God a service. But in the same breath, He promises the coming of the Helper—the Holy Spirit—who will strengthen them and continue Jesus’ work through them.

He explains that His departure is necessary for the Spirit to come, and that the Spirit will have a vital role:

• Convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment
• Guiding the disciples into all truth
• Glorifying Christ by declaring what belongs to Him

This section is a turning point. Jesus is preparing the disciples not just for survival, but for mission. They will face sorrow—but that sorrow will make way for Spirit-empowered witness and joy.

Key Themes We’ll Explore

• Why Jesus warned His disciples ahead of time
• The danger of religious persecution and spiritual blindness
• The promised coming of the Holy Spirit—the Helper
• The Spirit’s role in conviction, guidance, and glorifying Christ
• Why Jesus’ departure was part of God’s greater plan

In John 16:1–15, we see that truth and comfort walk hand in hand. Jesus does not hide the cost of following Him, but He also gives us everything we need to endure it—including the Holy Spirit, who will lead us in truth and empower us to bear witness in a world that desperately needs to see Christ.

Key Theme One: Warning Before the Storm

Study Breakdown

1. Jesus Warns to Keep Them from Falling Away (v. 1)

Jesus speaks with urgency and care: “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.” The Greek word for “falling away” (skandalizō) means to stumble or lose faith under pressure. Jesus is preparing the disciples for coming persecution—not to scare them, but to anchor them. Knowing what’s coming ahead of time helps guard their faith when the suffering begins.

1. Rejection by Religious Institutions (v. 2a)

“They will put you out of the synagogues.” This was more than social embarrassment—it meant losing community, status, and access to worship. Jesus warns that faithfulness to Him may come at the cost of being rejected by religious systems that resist the truth. This kind of religious persecution can be especially painful because it comes from those claiming to represent God.

1. Misguided Zeal Will Lead to Violence (v. 2b)

“Whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.” This verse is both chilling and historically accurate. From the martyrdom of early disciples to modern-day persecution, many have been attacked by those convinced they are doing God's will. Paul (then Saul) is a clear example—he persecuted the church before his conversion, believing he was serving God (Acts 9).

1. The Root: They Do Not Know the Father or the Son (v. 3)

Jesus exposes the real issue: “They do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.” Religious persecution stems not from too much truth, but from a lack of true knowledge of God. Without knowing the heart of the Father or the person of Jesus, people can twist religion into a weapon.

1. He Tells Them in Advance (v. 4)

“But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.” Jesus’ forewarning is an act of pastoral care and spiritual preparation. When the persecution arrives, they’ll remember His words—and that will steady them in the storm. Jesus never promised comfort—but He always promises clarity and presence.

Key Takeaways

Jesus warns His disciples not to discourage them, but to prepare and