Introduction: This is the conclusion of Jesus' final lecture to His disciples. They were His students. He was their Rabbi. He concludes this lecture with four thoughts of encouragement...

I. The Heavenly Father Loves You (John 16:27).

A. This is a pervasive theme in the Bible: Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16; Luke 15:20 (the father of the prodigal son symbolizes our Heavenly Father).

B. Whoever you are, whatever your circumstances...You can know God's love by loving Him, and believing in Him (John 16:27).

II. Jesus Knows All Things (John 16:30).

A. Why? He is God in the flesh (John 1:1-3, 14).

B. As God, He knows all things -- Omniscience
1. He knows the physical universe (Psalm 147:4-5).
2. He knows the hearts and thoughts of people (Psalm 139:1-4).

C. He knows all about you and me. He stands ready to bless and save and comfort, but we must repent and turn to Him in Faith and love.

III. Jesus Was Abandoned by Men, But Not By God (John 16:32).

A. All the disciples fled. Peter denied Him (John 18:17, 25-27).

B. But the Father did not abandon Jesus.

C. This applies to you and me, too. We may be abandoned and rejected by people, but the child of God is never abandoned by the Heavenly Father. (Read Deuteronomy 4:31 and 31:6)

IV. In Jesus, We Can Find Peace (John 16:33).

A. In this world, you will have many kinds of trouble: abuse, rejection, hunger, poverty, hate, unfair treatment, etc. etc.

B. The Bible promises peace to God's people: Exodus 33:14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.

Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Conclusion: God loves us. He knows all our circumstances and the thoughts of our hearts. He has promised to never leave us. He gives us His peace as we repent, believe and live for Him. Amen.