John 16

What did I learn about Jesus?

Jesus must depart so he can send the Holy Spirit. (7)
Jesus doesn’t give me more than I can bear. (12)

What did I learn about disciple-making?

Asking and receiving, in Jesus’ name, will bring great joy. (24)
The Holy Spirit will guide me in the truth and bring glory to Jesus. (13-15)

Extended thoughts and observations from Elder Steve Maxwell:

Another packed chapter, here are some thoughts . . .

V 7 is interesting – Jesus says, “it is for your good that I am going away,” How is this good for the disciples? The answer is the gift of the Holy Spirit. While on earth Jesus was subject to many limitations; for example, he could not always be with the disciples and he could only help people who were physically in his presence – however through the Holy Spirit this all changes. The Holy Spirit is not bound by a physical body and the limitations of time and space. The disciples probably couldn’t really understand all that this meant very well until the day of Pentecost – perhaps that is why in v12 Jesus says “I have more to say to you, more than you can now bear.”

In this chapter we learn about the primary work of the Holy Spirit:

– v8, 9 conviction of sin, specifically the greatest sin of all – rejecting Jesus

– v10 conviction of Jesus’ righteousness – it is the through the Holy Spirit that a person’s mind opens to the truth of the Gospel

– v11 conviction about judgment

This relates to disciple making as we are part of this work too. The Holy Spirit works in the hearts and lives of believers, and our transformed lives should be a powerful testimony to the unbelieving world of the truth about sin, righteousness and judgment.

What are your thoughts?