Chapter Summary

Warning of persecutions. The promise of the Spirit and His three-fold work. Jesus talks of His death, resurrection and second coming.

Discussion Questions for John, Chapter 16

1. What is the root cause of persecution towards Christians? Why is it important that Jesus prepares His disciples for suffering? How does it help you to know that you will suffer for following Jesus?
2. Who is the "Counselor" (HCSB) that Jesus speaks of? Why is it important that the Counselor comes to us? What does the Counselor do for us?
3. How do we ultimately understand "truth" (HCSB)? What is the source of truth? Why do you think the world hates truth so much?
4. Where does our "joy" (HCSB) come from? How would you define joy? In what ways have you experienced the joy of the Lord?
5. Why did Jesus teach in "figurative language" (HCSB) for so long? What was the point of that? In what ways did that keep the disciples form truly understanding what He was meaning?
6. When did the disciples "scatter" (HCSB) from Jesus? What event is this prophesying about? When has there been a time when you were tempted to "scatter" from Jesus because life became too difficult?
7. Why would the world "rejoice" (HCSB) when Jesus left the earth? How does this affirm what Jesus was teaching about the world hating Him? How would you describe the priorities of the world if that's what they rejoice over?
8. How does the analogy of childbirth explain the temporary nature of suffering? In your suffering, why is it difficult to see the temporary nature of it? How does God comfort you in times of suffering?
9. According to Jesus, what completes our joy? How are you tempted to find joy in the temporary or fleshly things of this life? How do you fight against that temptation?
10. What does it mean to be convicted about sin? In what ways does the Holy Spirit "convict" the world of their sin? What does conviction from the Holy Spirit feel like in your own life, and how do you respond?

Key Words/Phrase

Holy Spirit, v. 7.

Characters

Jesus, Holy Spirit, God, disciples.

Strong Verse(s)

7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 22, 23, 27, 33.