John 16:16-33 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

The heart that Jesus has in this lesson is that His people would not lose hope. Persecution can certainly bring people down. As we have already looked at the disciples' reactions to persecution in Acts, we saw that they truly did not lose heart. They held on to the hope Jesus gave them, but it was not until after He had resurrected that they held on to that hope.

People rising from the dead was a rare occasion. Just as it is today, when someone dies, that is met with an air of finality. It is conclusive. The disciples witnessed Jesus die on a cross. That is something you don't come back from. But after Jesus did in fact come back from that, they were faced with the teachings Jesus spoke before He departed. He would be with them to the end of the age, and not even death has hold on Him.

Jesus' promise to return to them was fulfilled. As the disciples recognize this, they heed His other promises. They waited expectantly in the Upper Room for the Helper to be given. Indeed the Helper was given. Their joy could not be taken away and they delighted in living their lives for Christ. In the reflection of this passage and in the original audience, the heart is that they too would not lose hope knowing that Jesus is just as accessible through the Spirit of God. It is by the Holy Spirit that we have an active line of communication with Jesus. Jesus likens it to Him being there with them. They can have fellowship with Christ through the Holy Spirit. That is a hopeful message to the original audience.

What lesson are you seeing?