John 16:16-33
Group Discussion Questions
Directions:
Please work with at least one other person, up to groups of four, to discuss and answer the
following questions. Make sure to answer each question in a complete sentence if you wish to
earn full credit. These are due by the end of class today. If you finish early, please begin the
reading and questions that have been assigned as homework.
1) What does Jesus mean when he says, “In a little while you see me no more, and then after
a little while you will see me”?
2) If a woman's "labor" (John 16:21) brings new life.
a) What does Jesus’ death accomplish?
b) What if we remember to keep in mind the part that says, “but I will see you again
and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
3) To what "day" (John 16:23) is Jesus referring?
4) The passage, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world” is meant to bring encouragement and hope to those who follow Christ. But, why?
5) The verse, “Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name”
is often taken (incorrectly) that God will do whatever we ask, like three wishes from a
genie, if we end it with, “in Jesus’ name”. But, if we read this verse in the context of
ALL of Jesus teaching, what might this verse mean?
*Hint: A true believer loves God and wants to follow Him. This changes the way
they act and the way they think, including the things they desire.
6) Jesus is extremely patient with the Disciples. Remember, most of them are mid to late
teenagers. So, given that, what do you think he means by,
“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come
when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone.
Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.”?
7) If you need to, reread chapter 15 and 16. What is Jesus’ reason for sharing all these things
with his disciples? *Hint: It says it in this section of reading