I’ve told you these things

St. John 16:1- These things have I spoken unto you, that you should not be offended (made to stumble).

Jesus was teaching his disciples that there will be things they will experience, things they will go through, some things they will face after he is ascended to the Father.

He is telling them ahead of time, so when they see these things come to pass, they won’t stumble, they won’t be afraid, they won’t give up, or fall away.

Verse 4- But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, you may remember that I told you of them.

Jesus had already told them, you will be hated of all men for my name sake, you will be persecuted, you will be afflicted, betrayed, many false prophets will arise and many shall be deceived, sin will increase, and love will decrease and many more things did Jesus tell them, not to bring fear or worry, but to warn them, and teach them to stay watchful and pray, that they don’t enter into temptation. To teach them to stand fast and be not deceived, to prepare them for what lies ahead.

Jesus gave the example of the seed that fell upon stoney places where there wasn’t much earth, and when the sun grew hot, the seed was scorched and withered away because they had no root in the the ground.

These are ones who hear the Word, receives it with joy, but when trials get hot, and tribulation comes, they are offended, because they are not rooted in Christ Jesus!

These things I told you that you won’t stumble when persecution comes, when trials and tribulation arise. When you see these things coming to pass, you won’t be offended, but you will remember what I told you.

Jesus told them some hard things they were going to face, but he always ends with hope. He also told them, “Let not your heart be troubled.”

Jesus brings warnings, but also brings words of hope.

St. John 16:33-These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

God bless.

Pastor Susan Emmons is the pastor of Pearl of Great Price Tabernacle, a Pentecostal church in Douglassville. You can reach her at 430-342-4829 for information, or prayer.