Chapter 16
John 16:25–33
Theme: Jesus offers peace, not from a change in circumstances, but from confidence in His unshakable victory.
25 I’ve been using figures of speech, but soon I will speak plainly about the Father. 26 On that day, you will ask in my name—not because I’ll need to ask the Father for you, 27 but because the Father Himself loves you. He loves you because you love me and believe that I came from Him. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world. Now I’m leaving the world and returning to the Father.”
The Disciples Begin to Understand 29 His disciples said, “Now you’re speaking clearly—not in riddles! 30 We understand now that you know everything. We don’t even need to ask—you truly came from God!” 31 Jesus replied, “Do you now believe? 32 Listen, the time is coming—yes, it’s already here—when you will be scattered, each going your own way, leaving me alone. But I’m not alone—the Father is with me.”
Peace in Trouble, Courage in the Storm 33 “I’ve told you all this so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will face trials and sorrows. But take heart—I have overcome the world!”
Greek Insight: “nenikēka ton kosmon” — “I have conquered the world” (perfect tense = once and for all).
IN THIS LESSON
What’s Really Going On?
Jesus knows His disciples are still confused and scared, but He is bringing clarity. Until now, He’s used metaphors and figures of speech—but now He speaks plainly about the Father, about prayer, and about where He truly came from and where He is going.
The disciples finally say, “Now we get it!”—but Jesus gently challenges them. Their belief is still fragile. A dark moment is coming when they will scatter. Yet even in the face of abandonment and fear, Jesus speaks peace: “Take heart. I have overcome the world.”
“I’ve been speaking figuratively, but soon I’ll speak plainly about the Father.”
“I’ve told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart—I have overcome the world!”
What Was Said or Done?
“You will ask the Father directly in My name, because the Father loves you.”
Jesus: ‘Do you finally believe? The time is coming when you’ll scatter and leave Me alone. But I’m not alone—the Father is with Me.’
“I came from the Father, entered the world—now I’m leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
Disciples: ‘Now you’re speaking clearly! We believe!’
Let’s Talk About It
Let’s Talk About It
Decisions They Faced
The disciples had to choose whether to believe with courage or scatter in fear when the pressure came.
They had to shift from emotional excitement to anchored trust.
Jesus challenged them to base their faith not on understanding everything, but on trusting His victory—even in confusion and chaos.
What Happened Next?
Jesus’s warning didn’t prevent the storm—it gave them an anchor before it hit.
The disciples did scatter. They did leave Jesus alone (John 18:15–27).
And just as He said, He did overcome—through the cross, the resurrection, and the Spirit's power.
But just as He promised, Jesus wasn’t truly alone—the Father was with Him.
After Pentecost, the disciples were transformed—full of peace, courage, and boldness. They now lived out what Jesus promised.
Living It Out
Living It Out
💬 Let’s Make It Personal
Where in your life are you feeling shaken by trouble, pressure, or confusion?
Do you tend to look for peace by trying to control your circumstances—or by resting in Jesus?
What does “Take heart” look like for you today? What is one area where you need to grab hold of courage?
How can Jesus’s victory help you respond differently to something that’s causing fear or anxiety?
Your Next Step
Peace Declaration Practice
Write or speak this declaration out loud: “In this world, I will face trouble—but I am not alone. Jesus has overcome the world, and I find peace in Him.”
Anchor Verse Challenge
Memorize John 16:33 “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Journal Reflection
Reflect and write:
“Lord, here’s where I need Your peace today: ____.”
“Here’s how I want to take heart instead of giving up: ____.”
Peace Check-In
Each night this week, ask: Where did I look for peace today—in control, in escape, or in Jesus?
Reset your heart each time with prayer.