Day 32
To keep you from stumbling
To Start
Let’s be quiet and let God give us peace.
Pray
Yahweh, prepare us for suffering. Let Your Word make us strong.
Read
Read John 16:1-4.
As you read, consider…
We know the apostles are not in the upper room anymore. We also know they’re not yet in the garden of Gethsemane. In John 18:1 (two chapters from now) we read, “When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.” So we’re somewhere on the near side of the Kidron Valley. Which means, most of John 15 and 16 are likely delivered as Jesus and the apostles walk through a cemetery; their likely path would have passed by tombs like these (one attributed to the prophet Zechariah, the other supposedly Absalom’s):
The tomb said to be Absalom’s probably isn’t, but the story of Absalom is worth mentioning here. The road Jesus takes out of the city and toward the Mount of Olives (where we find the Garden of Gethsemane) is the same road David took fleeing the city after being betrayed by his son.
How do the cemetery and the storied road out of the city underscore Jesus’ message? Why is this an appropriate setting for the speech?
According to verse one, what is the purpose of Jesus’ discourse?
Why does Jesus want the apostles to understand what’s coming?
John 16:1-4 (CSB)
1 “I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling. 2 They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or me. 4 But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you will remember I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.”
From JL
Yet again we find ourselves considering the apostles impending suffering. Jesus says, “I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling.” Jesus knows that expected suffering is easier to bear than unexpected suffering.
If the apostles were to be blindsided by persecution, they might interpret it as a reason to quit. Perhaps God’s favor isn’t upon us. Perhaps we’re trying to do something God doesn't want done. I’ve seen this happen a hundred times. Someone’s sure they’re on the right path, but then they run into hurdles and second guess it.
Jesus is making it clear—Persecution is a part of the plan. Don’t be surprised. Don’t be knocked off your game.
In the comments this past week we had a few people share thoughts on living with opposition or hatred or rejection.
Bethany wrote,
I’ve really struggled with the idea of being a faithful Christian witness while also knowing there are these people in my circle of influence who hate (or strongly dislike) me, despite my attempts to compromise or reconcile. I guess somewhere along the way, I picked up the false belief that being “winsome for Christ” meant that everyone would like me. Ha! Jesus clearly puts this idea to rest.
I appreciated this comment, because I think somewhere along the line this belief did become popular—Good Christians will win the admiration of the world; if you’re unliked, it’s your fault. It goes hand in hand with a prosperity gospel that promises health and wealth to those who’re faithful.
Rosemary wrote,
I'm so tired of the N American church saying...obviously God won't let his church suffer. He will rapture us out. Well I'm not a dispensationalist and I tell them to read the Bible where it says that we will share in his sufferings. I'm done with being liked.
(Then she told a wonderful story about her time loving addicts and sex workers. It’s on Day 26. Don’t miss it.)
Passages like this one that promise a life of rejection, hatred, opposition, and suffering need airtime. They’re not cozy; I get it. But they’re absolutely essential. If the church doesn’t anticipate persecution, if they instead expect physical protection and ease, this kind of opposition will cause them to stumble.
It’s no wonder the biggest source of spiritual confusion and disappointment with God is in the category of pain and suffering. We haven’t done a very good job of underscoring its inevitability (and importance).
Consider other warnings and promises in Scripture:
“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” (Philippians 1:29)
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus doesn’t hide suffering in the fine print. He leads with it: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must say no to themselves. They must pick up their cross and follow me.”
It might be a good idea for us to follow suit.
In the comments
Have you ever been shaken by unexpected suffering? What did God teach you in it? What made it possible for you to stick with Him?
My child has been suffering for a few years with mental health challenges. As parents, we suffer with him. He is a believer but the longer this goes on, the harder it is for him to maintain a sense of hope. I frequently pray this prayer from the Book of Common Prayer: "Strengthen his trust in your goodness" (and, for myself, "Strengthen my trust in your goodness." )
Three intense crises in my marriage, the first of which was a total surprise/shock. The third ended up in separation and divorce. One aspect of them was persecution from my husband, who was angry at God. Helps were staying involved in church, scripture and prayer and journaling, getting godly counsel, and a huge one was *support and prayer from fellow believers*. I learned progressively not to "hide" the marriage breakdowns (from closer friends and pastors) and that was key to getting that loving support.