John 16:1-15
Q.1. Why did Jesus warn His disciples about coming persecution? What would the persecution be like? For what reason will people persecute believers? – (Jn.16:1-4 c.f. Jn.15:18-21)
It is amazing how often the faith of Christians is shaken by trials. Jesus could not have stated more clearly that persecution for His followers is inevitable. The warning was given so that they would not be taken off guard, and – … so that you may be kept from stumbling (Jn.16:1 c.f. 16:4). These Jewish disciples would be thrown out of the synagogue by the leaders who imagined that they were doing God a service, just as the apostle Paul, in his ignorance, had done (Jn.16:2 c.f. Acts 22:3-5; 26:9-11). Most people don’t think that they are so bad, or in need of a Saviour. The reason for persecution is that unbelievers neither know the Father, nor His Son, nor the purpose of His mission.
Q.2. How could it possibly be to the advantage of the disciples for Jesus to go away? What difference would the Holy Spirit make? What would He do? – (Jn.16:5-11)
It was a lot for the disciples to process, when Jesus informed them that His going would result in the coming of the Holy Spirit. Many suffering saints have longed for the physical presence of Jesus. However, it was through Christ’s death, resurrection, and glorification that a new chapter would begin, where Immanuel (i.e. God with us) would become God in us (Jn.7:38-39; 14:23). The ministry of the Holy Spirit would make all the difference because – 8 “when He has come, He will convince the world of its sin, and of the availability of God’s righteousness, and of deliverance from judgment. 9 The world’s sin is unbelief in Me; 10 there is righteousness available because I go to the Father and you shall see Me no more; 11 there is deliverance from judgment because the prince of this world has already been judged (Jn.16:8-11 – Living Bible). The gaining of salvation requires the conviction that our greatest sin is to exclude the Saviour, because we are all lost, guilty sinners before a holy God. Through the finished work of Christ at Calvary, we can now have a right standing before God, through faith in His Son. The Holy Spirit also convinces us that there is no future in siding with the Devil, since he was defeated by Christ’s death, resurrection, and glorification (Col.2:13-15; Heb.2:14-15).
Q.3. How would the indwelling Holy Spirit change things for the disciples? What special mission would He fulfill? – (Jn.16:12-15)
The disciples continued to flounder, until after Christ’s resurrection – “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now (Jn.16:12). However, that was all about to change with the coming of the indwelling Holy Spirit – 13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you (Jn.16:13-14). Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would clarify their memories and explain ALL THE TRUTH to them. He would also unveil WHAT IS TO COME. It is thrilling to know that the Holy Spirit will lift us above our human limitations. His other and key role is to BRING GLORY TO AND DRAW ATTENTION TO JESUS. There is no jealousy or competition in the Godhead – All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you (Jn.16:15). Children do not have to get all their theology right, in order to please God. When we glorify Jesus, we glorify the Father and the Son.