In John 16, the first 4 verses are a continuation of chapter 15. We see a final wrap up of Jesus showing that many of the “leaders” of the day in the synagogues do not know God. Jesus was warning the disciples that they were going to be persecuted for their faith in Christ, but not to lose heart.
Jesus then told the exciting news of the Holy Spirit coming! He knew that the disciples were not happy he told them he was leaving. In the midst of this, he told the almost unbelievable truth that the Holy Spirit would come, which would be better than having Jesus with them. That would have been unfathomable for the disciples! We now understand this is what Jesus meant when he said: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
That is such great news to hear! What hope we have in the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives! Jesus declares all that is the Father’s is his, and the Holy Spirit will now give it to us. The disciples were still a bit confused and had questions, but Jesus assures again that the sorrow they feel will be turned to joy! The sacrifice Christ made, the resurrection of Christ brings more joy now for us than those disciples could even imagine at that time. Thank our Lord for his sovereignty and understanding to know this and know our need for his sacrifice!
Finally, Jesus speaks pretty straight forward when he tells them he has come from the Father. The Father will love them because they loved Jesus. He continues this discussion until he says “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Glory to God! He has overcome the world! He has won. We have hope. We know the final score!
Josh
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