John 16:1-15 CSB
"I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling. [2] They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. [3] They will do these things because they haven't known the Father or me. [4] But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you will remember I told them to you. I didn't tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. [5] But now I am going away to him who sent me, and not one of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' [6] Yet, because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. [7] Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don't go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. [8] When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: [9] About sin, because they do not believe in me; [10] about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; [11] and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. [12] "I still have many things to tell you, but you can't bear them now. [13] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. [14] He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. [15] Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.
The Gift
There are times when we wear “rose-colored glasses.” We think everything is as it should be and that what we are content with will never change. The fact is that we are in an ever-changing world, and if we are in the Lord, we grow spiritually. The old things that we worshipped in this world become less and less as we understand that our loving Father, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are far more worthy of our attention and love.
Jesus was with His followers. They relied on the one who is now going away. They are as children being torn away from their parents during war, but Jesus assures them that this is not the case. They will never be alone against the world.
It is a mystery. The Creator of the Universe not only knows who we are, but loves us so much that He adopts us as His children in Jesus. Jesus calls believers His own. Such a love story. He gives us of His Spirit.
Life is about to change for the Apostles. Jesus is letting them know ahead of time so that they will not lose faith, so that they will not stumble. Jesus warns them of two types of oncoming storms. The believers will be expelled from the synagogue and some will be martyred. People will kill God’s children, thinking they are doing God’s will. This is still happening today. You can place many institutions in place of the synagogue and their stance against Christians. Christians are dying for the Lord every day in different countries around the world, being exterminated due to religious or political ideologies.
A time of darkness was coming for Jesus’ followers. Jesus had to go; it was time to return to the Father, but there is joy. They will not be orphans. The Holy Spirit would come, leading the Apostles and disciples into a greater knowledge. More would be given.
The followers would have the omnipresent ministry of the Holy Spirit. They would have a full spiritual relationship, becoming a personal temple of God, being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Those given the Spirit have their guarantee of eternal life, the Kingdom of God being now in their lives.
There were things that Jesus wanted to speak to His followers—mysteries that they were not yet ready to understand. The Spirit will come, not speaking on His own initiative, but speaking the words He hears from Jesus. More mysteries will be revealed when they are ready. The Spirit will empower the believers. The believers will do miracles. The believers will prophesy, but the Spirit always points to Jesus. The Spirit is given to comfort believers and empower them to proclaim the Gospel to all the earth.
Reflection Questions
- Are there “old things” in this world you are still holding onto that hinder your spiritual growth? How can you shift your focus more toward the Father, Son, and Spirit today?
- How does it change your daily perspective to realize that you are a “personal temple” indwelt by the Holy Spirit?
- Jesus says the Spirit guides us into all truth as we are able to bear it. Is there a truth in your life right now that the Spirit is inviting you to understand more deeply?
Prayer
Father,
I thank You for Your grace. Thank You for not leaving me as an orphan in this changing world. Forgive me for the times I prefer my comfort over the need to grow Spiritually. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, my Counselor and Guide. Help me to remember that I am Your temple, especially when the world is hostile. Fill me with Your Spirit of Truth today, so that my life always points back to You and reflects Your Kingdom to those who are lost.
Amen.
