What does John 16:31 mean?
Much of Jesus' teaching could not be fully understood until after His resurrection (John 2:22) and with the help of the Holy Spirit (John 16:12–13). That didn't stop the disciples from frequently being overconfident in their own understanding. Peter was sharply corrected by Christ earlier in this same conversation, for that reason (John 13:36–38). When Jesus began to promise that He would begin speaking plainly and directly to His followers (John 16:25), the disciples seem to have assumed they had already been given the spiritual clarity Jesus predicted (John 16:29–30).Christ's response is almost always translated in the form of a question. The upcoming context shows He knows the disciples fail to understand what is about to happen. This statement is challenging, and comes across as a gentle form of sarcasm: oh, you understand, do you? In truth, there is still a time of fear and doubt yet to come (John 16:20–22). Just as Peter had yet to go through his denial of Christ (John 13:36–38), the entire group of disciples will initially react to Jesus' arrest (John 18:1–3) in fear and panic (John 16:32).
John 16:25–33 completes Christ's combination of encouragement and warning as He prepares the disciples for His impending arrest (John 18:1–3). This passage summarizes the general message of that discourse: that hardship and persecution will come, but believers should remain faithful, knowing this is all part of God's knowledge and His will. Rather than reacting in panic or doubt, followers of Christ should feel a sense of peace. This confidence is inspired by knowledge that nothing they experience catches God by surprise. The expression "take heart" implies courage: knowing Christ's victory overshadows all those troubles.
Throughout His teaching in the Last Supper (John 13:1–5), Jesus has often brought up the fact that He's giving His followers advance warnings (John 13:19; 14:25). His intent is to provide encouragement—persecution as a result of their faith is inevitable. In keeping with that reassurance, Jesus again promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. He explains that after a time of deep sorrow, His followers will experience great joy and clarity. This concludes with a beloved promise that Christ has "overcome the world."
