John 16 Study Notes

The noun kosmos (Eng cosmos, cosmic), is normally translated world and most often has negative connotations, especially in John’s writings. John provides the foundational verse about the kosmos in 1:10—“He [the Word] was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him.” The kosmos is consistently described by John as hostile to Jesus and the things of God. The world needs the light (1:9; see 8:12) because it is in darkness (3:19). It is dead and needs life (6:33,51). The world hates Jesus (7:7) and his followers (15:18; 17:14), but it will be judged (9:39; 12:31), as will its prince (i.e., Satan; 12:31; 16:11). But as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (1:29), Jesus “conquered the world” (16:33). God loved the world (despite its sins) and gave his Son to save the world (3:16-17).

16:20 Jesus’s prediction that his disciples’ sorrow will turn to joy echoes the experiences of God’s people in OT times (Est 9:22) and marks the fulfillment of OT prophecies (Is 61:2-3; Jr 31:13).

16:21 Jesus’s illustration of a woman in childbirth resonates with human experience. While the labor preceding birth is intense, all anguish is forgotten the moment the new child is born. Jesus elsewhere spoke of the end times as “the beginning of labor pains” and times of “great distress” (Mt 24:8,21,29).

16:22-24 In that day here refers to the time of Jesus’s resurrection.

16:25-27 These things in v. 25 refers to the entire farewell discourse. A time is coming occurs also in 16:2,32.

16:28 The depiction of Jesus as having come from the Father . . . into the world and as leaving the world and going to the Father is patterned after the portrayal of the Word of God which is sent, accomplishes its purpose, and returns to the one who sent it (Is 55:11-12; see note at Jn 1:1).

16:29-31 Despite their confident confession, the disciples are no closer to understanding than before. Jesus’s question (Do you now believe?) expresses skepticism and mild rebuke.

16:32 Jesus’s prediction of a coming hour at which his followers will be scattered (cp. 19:27) may allude to Zch 13:7 (quoted in Mt 26:31; cp. Mt 26:56; 1Kg 22:17). The sheep would desert the Shepherd and return home, and yet Jesus would not be alone due to the constant presence of his Father.

16:33 Jesus’s farewell discourse ends on a note of triumph (1Jn 2:13-14; 4:4; 5:4-5).