16:29,30
The disciples are now trying to prove that they understand now, though they don’t actually know what Jesus means. It is a common human characteristic to pretend we know something, not wanting to admit our ignorance. The Pharisees and other religious leaders had periodically questioned Jesus, trying to trap Him, and always failing to do so.
16:31-33
Jesus knew that they didn’t really understand. Soon they would be scattered, and Jesus would be left alone. Jesus went to the cross without help from any man. “Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.” Jesus was doing the will of the Father, and the Father was with Him in doing this.
Jesus had told the disciples all this so that they too would be able to handle persecution. At the present time they were not able to do so, but after the cross, resurrection and sending of the Spirit they would be able to. Jesus was not promising them an easy life, far from it. What He was promising them was the ability to live a godly life in all circumstances. “But take heart, I have overcome the world”. Jesus has taken all the world could throw at Him, and has triumphed. In Christ we can do likewise.
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