John 14:29

And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.

Study Bible

And now
This phrase signifies a transition and immediacy in Jesus' discourse. The Greek word "καὶ νῦν" (kai nyn) indicates a present moment that is crucial. Jesus is drawing His disciples' attention to the importance of the present time, emphasizing the urgency and significance of His message. In the context of the Upper Room Discourse, this moment is pivotal as Jesus prepares His disciples for His impending departure.

I have told you
The Greek verb "εἴρηκα" (eirēka) is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action with ongoing effects. Jesus has already communicated essential truths to His disciples, and these truths are meant to remain with them. This reflects the role of Jesus as the divine teacher, whose words are not only informative but transformative, intended to prepare and fortify His followers for future events.

before it happens
The phrase "πρὸ τοῦ γενέσθαι" (pro tou genesthai) underscores Jesus' foreknowledge and prophetic insight. By telling His disciples what will occur before it happens, Jesus demonstrates His divine omniscience. This prophetic element is a testament to His identity as the Son of God, who knows the end from the beginning, and it serves to reassure the disciples of His sovereign control over future events.

so that when it does happen
Here, the purpose clause "ἵνα ὅταν γένηται" (hina hotan genētai) reveals Jesus' intention behind His foretelling. The use of "when" rather than "if" indicates certainty. Jesus is preparing His disciples for the inevitable, ensuring that they are not caught off guard. This preparation is an act of divine love and care, equipping them to face the coming trials with faith and understanding.

you will believe
The Greek word "πιστεύσητε" (pisteusēte) is in the subjunctive mood, suggesting potential or purpose. Jesus' foretelling is designed to strengthen the disciples' faith. When the predicted events come to pass, their belief in Jesus and His teachings will be reinforced. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, abiding trust in Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. It highlights the transformative power of fulfilled prophecy in the life of a believer, serving as a foundation for enduring faith amidst trials.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, preparing them for His impending death, resurrection, and ascension. He is providing them with assurance and prophecy to strengthen their faith.

2. The Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' words. They are being prepared for the events that will soon unfold, including Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

3. The Upper Room
The setting of this discourse, where Jesus shares the Last Supper with His disciples and delivers His farewell teachings.

4. The Coming Events
Refers to Jesus' death, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, which He predicts to assure His disciples of His divine authority and the truth of His words.

Teaching Points

Prophecy as Assurance
Jesus uses prophecy to assure His disciples of His divine nature and the truth of His words. This teaches us the importance of trusting in God's promises and His Word.

Strengthening Faith
Jesus' foretelling of events is meant to bolster the disciples' faith. In our lives, recalling God's past faithfulness can strengthen our trust in Him during uncertain times.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
Jesus' predictions include the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide and remind believers of Jesus' teachings. We should rely on the Holy Spirit for understanding and comfort.

Preparation for Trials
Jesus prepares His disciples for upcoming trials by informing them beforehand. Similarly, we should prepare spiritually for challenges by grounding ourselves in Scripture and prayer.

Belief Through Fulfillment
The fulfillment of Jesus' words serves as a foundation for belief. Observing how God's promises have been fulfilled in history and in our lives can deepen our faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' foretelling of future events in John 14:29 help to strengthen your faith in His promises today?

2. In what ways can you rely on the Holy Spirit to remind you of Jesus' teachings and provide comfort in your daily life?

3. Reflect on a time when recalling God's past faithfulness helped you through a difficult situation. How can this practice be applied to current or future challenges?

4. How does understanding the fulfillment of biblical prophecies enhance your trust in the reliability of Scripture?

5. What steps can you take to better prepare yourself spiritually for trials, using Jesus' example of preparation in John 14:29?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 13-17
This passage is part of the larger Upper Room Discourse, where Jesus provides comfort and instruction to His disciples before His crucifixion.

Isaiah 46:10
This Old Testament passage speaks of God's ability to declare the end from the beginning, highlighting His sovereignty and foreknowledge, similar to Jesus' prophetic assurance in John 14:29.

Acts 1:9-11
The fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about His ascension, which the disciples witness, reinforcing their belief as Jesus had intended.

John 16:4
Jesus reiterates the purpose of His foretelling, emphasizing the strengthening of the disciples' faith when the events occur.