John 16

He goes to the Father and sends the Comforter

But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? John 16:5–7

Jesus foretells His return to the Father and says it is for His disciples' good, because He will then send the Holy Ghost.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfilled by Acts 1:9 — He is taken up into heaven.
• fulfilled by Acts 2:33 — Exalted at God's right hand, He sheds forth the Holy Ghost.

The Spirit convicts the world concerning Christ

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: John 16:8–11

The Holy Ghost shows the world its sin in rejecting Jesus, His righteousness proven by His return to the Father, and Satan's defeat.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 12:31 — "Now shall the prince of this world be cast out."

The Spirit glorifies Christ

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13–15

The Spirit of truth does not speak on His own; He takes what belongs to Christ and reveals it, glorifying the Son, who shares all the Father has.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him

A little while — death and Resurrection

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. John 16:16–22

Jesus foretells that He will be taken from them in death and then seen again alive. Like a mother's pain turning to joy at birth, their grief will turn to lasting joy.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfilled by John 20:20 — "Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord."

Asking the Father in His name

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. John 16:23–24

Jesus teaches the pattern of prayer: ask the Father in the name of the Son.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by D&C 88:64 — "Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you."
• alluded to by 3 Nephi 18:20 — Ask the Father in my name.

Came forth from the Father

These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. John 16:25–30

Jesus sums up His whole mission: He lived with the Father before, came into the world, and is returning to the Father. The disciples declare their belief.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Mosiah 3:5 — The Lord Omnipotent shall come down from heaven among the children of men.

The smitten Shepherd

Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? John 16:31–32

Jesus foretells that His disciples will scatter when He is arrested, as Zechariah prophesied of the smitten Shepherd — yet the Father stays with Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• fulfils Zechariah 13:7 — "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
• a parallel account in Matthew 26:31 — Jesus cites Zechariah the same night.
• fulfilled by Mark 14:50 — "They all forsook him, and fled."

He has overcome the world

These things I have 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. John 16:33

On the eve of Gethsemane, Jesus speaks of His victory as already won. Peace is found in Him, whatever trouble the world brings.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alluded to by Revelation 3:21 — "Even as I also overcame."
• alluded to by 1 John 5:4-5 — He that overcomes the world believes Jesus is the Son of God.
• alludes to John 14:27 — "My peace I give unto you."