Chapter 16
John 16:1–7
Theme: Jesus prepares His disciples for rejection, grief, and spiritual pressure—not to discourage them, but to anchor them in the reality of persecution and the promise of the Spirit.
I’m Telling You Now So You Won’t Fall Away 1 “I’ve told you these things so that you won’t stumble or lose your faith. 2 The time is coming when you’ll be thrown out of the synagogues, and those who kill you will believe they’re offering a service to God. 3 They will do these things because they’ve never really known the Father or me. 4 I’m telling you now, ahead of time, so that when it happens, you’ll remember I warned you. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was still here with you.”
Sorrow Now, but the Helper Is Coming 5 “Now I’m going back to the One who sent me, and yet none of you are asking, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Instead, your hearts are full of grief because of what I’ve told you. 7 But let me tell you the truth—it’s actually better for you that I go. If I don’t leave, the Advocate (Helper) won’t come to you. But if I do go, I will send Him to you.”
IN THIS LESSON
What’s Really Going On?
Jesus is giving His disciples advance warning. Soon, they will face rejection, suffering, and confusion. The world, especially the religious system, will see them as threats. Jesus knows this could shake their faith, so He speaks truth in love.
This is not the pep talk they were hoping for—but it’s the grounding they needed. His goal? That they wouldn’t fall away (Greek: skandalisthēte – to be tripped up or offended). He pairs the pain of persecution with the promise of the Paraklētos—the Divine Helper who would come after He departs.
“I’ve told you this so you won’t fall away.”
“I didn’t say this earlier because I was with you.”
“Now I’m returning to the One who sent Me... and you’re filled with grief.”
What Was Said or Done?
“They will put you out of the synagogues.”
“It’s better for you that I go. If I don’t, the Helper won’t come. But if I go, I’ll send Him to you.”
“Anyone who kills you will think they’re doing God a service.”
“They’ll do this because they don’t know the Father or Me.”
Let’s Talk About It
Let’s Talk About It
Decisions They Faced
The disciples had to choose whether they would keep following even when it meant being misunderstood, rejected, and even killed.
They had to decide whether to trust Jesus’s promise about the Helper, even though it meant losing His physical presence.
They were being challenged to see spiritual suffering as part of their calling, not a sign of failure.
What Happened Next?
Jesus’s warning didn’t prevent the storm—it gave them an anchor before it hit.
Everything Jesus predicted happened:
The disciples were excommunicated.
Most were persecuted and martyred.
They scattered in fear—but later became bold witnesses, empowered by the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit did come, as promised (Acts 2). And their grief was transformed into unstoppable mission.
Living It Out
Living It Out
💬 Let’s Make It Personal
Have you ever experienced loss, rejection, or criticism because of your faith in Jesus?
When following Jesus gets hard, what is your instinct—hide, fight, or press on?
Do you believe the presence of the Holy Spirit is enough to sustain you, even when Jesus feels distant?
Faith that lasts isn't built on comfort—it's anchored in truth, preparation, and the Spirit’s power. Jesus never promised ease, but He did promise we’d never be alone.
Your Next Step
Pause and Pray: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you’re afraid of rejection. Invite Him to give you courage and clarity.
Write a “Why” Statement:
On a notecard or journal page, write:“I follow Jesus because...”
Revisit it when faith gets hard.
Scripture Anchor: Memorize John 16:1 – “I have told you this so that you will not fall away.”
Encourage a Friend:
Is someone in your life facing spiritual opposition?
Send them a message or note reminding them: “You are not alone. Jesus promised the Helper—and He’s with you now.”