John 16:29-33

Acts 19:1-8

Psalm 68:2-3ab, 4-5abcd, 6-7ab

John 16:29-33

The disciples said to Jesus,

“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.

Now we realize that you know everything

and that you do not need to have anyone question you.

Because of this we believe that you came from God.”

Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?

Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived

when each of you will be scattered to his own home

and you will leave me alone.

But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.

In the world you will have trouble,

but take courage, I have conquered the world.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, your Son has conquered the world, and this fills me with hope, confidence, and courage. When I see evil in my life, move my heart to turn from sin and seek to be restored to your love.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Talking Plainly: One of the characteristics of Jesus’ teaching and preaching was the use of parables, images, riddles, and figures of speech (allegories). In this way, Jesus engaged the minds and hearts of his listeners and disciples. He wanted them to ponder his words and draw out conclusions for themselves. Instead of saying outright, “I am God,” Jesus preferred to refer to himself as the Son of Man, a mysterious figure in the Book of Daniel who has both human and divine qualities. At a certain point during the Last Supper, Jesus’ disciples point out that Jesus has changed the way he speaks: “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.” Earlier, Jesus used the image of the vine and vinedresser to speak about his relationship to the Father and the need for his disciples to be like branches attached to the vine. Here, Jesus speaks openly about coming forth from the Father, coming into the world, and leaving the world to return to his Father. 

2. You Know Everything: In response to Jesus’ plain speech about his relationship to the Father, the disciples confessed their faith in Jesus’ divinity. They acknowledged that Jesus knows everything. Since God alone is all-knowing or omniscient, they were recognizing Jesus’ divinity by attributing omniscience to him. They reached this conclusion after three years of living with Jesus. They saw how he knew the hearts and inner thoughts of those around him. They saw him explain the scriptures of Israel with unparalleled insight. They saw him repeatedly correct the interpretations of the learned Scribes and Pharisees and religious authorities. They heard him teach with true authority and bring the Old Law to fulfillment. In the light of all these demonstrations of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, they were moved to profess their faith in Jesus’ divine nature and omniscience. 

3. I Have Conquered the World: In response to his disciples’ confession of faith, Jesus put them on guard about what was going to happen to him and them over the next few hours. He predicted that they would be scattered and leave him alone. This is exactly what happened. The twelve apostles all scattered after Jesus’ arrest in the Garden. Judas went and committed suicide. Peter and John followed, but at a certain point, Peter went off to weep on account of his betrayal. At the foot of the Cross, John was there, but the other Apostles were all absent. Even though the majority of Jesus’ disciples left him all alone to die on the cross, Jesus affirms that he is not alone and that the Father – his Father – is always with him. Jesus prays that his disciples might have peace, and, on the day of the resurrection, he bestows the gift of peace upon them. Even when things seem bleak and dark, they are to take courage, and know that Jesus, their risen Lord and Savior, has conquered the world marred by sin, the fear of death, and the power of the devil.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you proclaimed the mystery of the Kingdom in word and deed. You invite me to reign with you and be a member of your heavenly Kingdom. I pray that the Kingdom grow within me and transform my life.

Living the Word of God: How can Christ reign more fully in me and my life? Is my life filled with the fruits of the Spirit? With love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? Why or why not?