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John 16:3 (BSB)
They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me.” — John 16:3
Imagine a group of people moving through life, unaware of a deeper connection that could transform them. This verse highlights a crucial moment where the speaker, Jesus, expresses heartbreak over those who act out of ignorance, not knowing the Father or Him. It’s like a friend trying to explain a beautiful truth to someone who just doesn’t get it yet. The emotion is intense; it’s a mix of sadness and a yearning for understanding. You can almost feel the weight of their missed opportunities and the longing for them to discover a relationship that could change everything.
The Gospel of John was written by one of Jesus' closest friends, John. He had a unique perspective because he was there, witnessing everything firsthand. John wanted to share the incredible stories and teachings of Jesus, giving readers a glimpse into His love and purpose. Including this detail about ignorance shows John’s heart for people to understand the depth of the relationship with God. He knew that recognizing this connection was crucial for truly living life to the fullest.
When John wrote this, the world was a challenging place. The early followers of Jesus were facing persecution and misunderstanding. The Roman Empire was dominant, and people were often judged for their beliefs. This timing matters because it highlights the urgency of Jesus' message; people were on the brink of making choices that could change their lives forever. The struggles they faced were real, and knowing who Jesus was could mean the difference between fear and hope in their lives.
This verse is incredibly relevant today because it speaks to how we often act out of misunderstanding or a lack of connection. We all have moments when we feel lost or when we don’t know the full story about something. This verse invites you to explore a deeper relationship with God and understand that when people behave poorly, it often comes from a place of ignorance. It challenges you to look beyond the surface and seek to know more about the love and truth that can change lives, including yours.
Take a moment this week to reflect on your own understanding of God. Consider reading a chapter from the book of John or spending time in prayer. Ask yourself, ‘What do I really know about God and Jesus?’ Also, when you encounter people who act out of ignorance or misunderstanding, try to respond with empathy instead of frustration. It’s an opportunity to share love and understanding, just like Jesus wanted for everyone.
This verse is nestled in a chapter where Jesus is preparing His followers for a tough road ahead. He knows they will face challenges and persecution, and here He’s explaining why people might react harshly toward them. This moment is pivotal; it’s like a coach giving a pep talk before the big game. He’s saying, ‘They don’t understand what they’re doing because they don’t truly know us.’ This sets the stage for the followers to be prepared emotionally and spiritually for what’s to come. The tension is building, and you can feel the urgency in His words as He comforts and warns them at once.
How might your life change if you truly understood and embraced the relationship that Jesus talks about in this verse?
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