John 16:5-15 – The Holy Spirit Will Come

Read John 16:5-15

How many times did you read today’s passage? I still feel like I need to read it again. If we’re a little blown away, imagine the disciples. Jesus didn’t use a parable here to help them understand. I’m guessing what they heard was  Jesus was going away and somebody else was coming to care for them. They had no idea where Jesus was going. This “advocate” was also mysterious.

From the sounds of it, it has been the Holy Spirit (advocate) alive within Jesus. Jesus says he has to leave so that the advocate can return. The advocate is also going to act like a prosecuting attorney to reveal the sinfulness of the world. The people will be convicted at last of their evil deeds. The advocate will help restore a right relationship with God, thus righteousness will prevail.

Jesus has been preparing his disciples (and us) all along for their mission. However, they may have missed the cues. I’m taking a course right now where the same concept is happening. Our mentor/teacher is providing us so much direction and knowledge to ready our hearts and minds. We have been waiting for the great nugget to be dropped that will change our business forever. Instead, she has given us so much more.

Even as Jesus has been preparing, there is no way the disciples can understand what will soon happen. It’s quite unbelievable. But without the preparation, the majesty of the moment would have been lost. The advocate will come soon to help them make sense of what has just happened. Our feeble minds are too limited to see and understand the big picture, too. That’s okay. We just need to trust the process. The process is called Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life.

What did you think about this line?  “Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” We’ve seen reference to “ruler of this world” before. In case there is any question, I understand it to be the evil one, Satan, the devil. Such an appropriate title, don’t you think. Ruler of this world. That is exactly what is happening. Satan can control this world and does. That is why evil is so rampant, and we fall prey so easily to temptation. 

But God is ruler over all things, even, and in particular, Satan. That’s why he sent the Holy Spirit for us–to give us access to the truth. In this way, Satan can not win us to the dark side. When we feel weak, we need to remember who gives us strength. We need to open our mouths and call on our protector and guide.

How does it make you feel to know that the Spirit of God has your back?  Take a moment to really try and grasp that extraordinary reality.

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to not only watch out for me but to guide me and reveal the truth to me. May I be aware of you and listening for you at all times. Help me to stand strong against the evil one who will try everything possible to snare me into his trap. There are so many lies in the world. I look forward to the day when every truth is revealed and your final victory is won. May I remain steadfast and true to you until that day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.