Today’s passage was very Good News to the followers of Jesus that first received John’s Gospel. At the same time, this passage contained a huge challenge for Jesus’ disciples. It can be Good News to us as well and we too, are being challenged by Jesus.
In Israel’s culture the responsibility of pursuing justice resided with the individual. The vast majority of people were ill-equipped to take their case before a judge. They lacked the resources to adequately pursue justice. This was true on a national level as well. When foreign countries invaded and oppressed the people, Israel lacked the resources to seek justice. Within the fabric of the people was a longing for the day when justice would prevail. Jesus promised that their longing will be fulfilled with the coming of the Advocate.
Jesus has promised that when he returned to the Father he will send the Holy Spirit, our Helper, and our Advocate to guide and empower us. Jesus is not saying that the Holy Spirit will be working independently to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment. Jesus is saying that the Holy Spirit working in and through His followers will bring justice to the world.
When the followers of Jesus lead lives of honesty and integrity they will stand apart from the ways of the world. Their lifestyle will contrast sharply with the ways of people who do not believe in Jesus.
When the followers of Jesus speak out against injustice in the world their beliefs will contrast sharply with the ways of the world. When the followers of Jesus work diligently in ministries of mercy and justice, as they become co-laborers with Jesus for God’s coming Kingdom, their ideals will contrast sharply with the ideals of the world.
When the followers of Jesus live with the hope of God’s future in their heart, their sense of inner peace will contrast sharply with the vast majority of people living without hope.
It will be through the lives of fully devoted followers of Jesus that the Holy Spirit “will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.”
The challenge of Jesus to his followers is to open our hearts, our lives to the Holy Spirit so that Jesus can live His life through us. This challenge is daunting because the persecution that confronted Jesus awaits His followers as well. However, Jesus has promised us that He will always be with us; nothing can separate us from Him. We can do everything through Christ, who gives us strength.
What word or phrase in these verses
attracts your attention?
Reflect on that word or phrase.
What insights come to you?
How does this passage touch your life today?
Reading for 2-Apr-12 John 16:12-33
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