John 16:5-16
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 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. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”
Personal Reflection and Discussion
Previously in John 14:16-26 we reflected upon and discussed the work of the Holy Spirit. Here Jesus through John would have us continue our reflections and discussion.
- Think about the last time you had to say goodbye to someone. What was that goodbye like? Is it easier for you to be the person leaving or staying?
- The disciples are filled with grief. What does that grief keep them from understanding?
- Jesus reveals that he is sending the Counselor (v 7) with three goals for his work. What are the three goals (vs 8-11)?
- As the Holy Spirit counsels you – convicting you, encouraging you, teaching you, and strengthening you, what are you hearing (see Mk 4:9; Jas 1:22)? How are you responding?
Prayer
Jesus,
Thank you for sending the Counselor to walk with me every day of my life. Continue to reveal to me your truth, guide me in that truth, and help me to bring glory to you all the days of my life. Amen.
Greek Words of the Day
English Word: advantage | Transliterated Word: sumphero (soom-fer-o)
To bear together, to collect, to conduce — advantage, benefit, be better (fr), bring together, (common) good, expedient, gain, helpful, profitable
From sun (together)
And phero (to bring)
To bring together for anyone, in the sense of contributing, being advantageous, expedient, profitable
Family Engagement Activity
Today, help your children understand the parts of the Triune God. Say: We are going to see water as a solid (ice), liquid (water) and gas (steam). Take some ice and put it in a pot. Heat the ice on the stove. Have your children watch the ice turn to water. Heat the water to a boil. Have your children observe the steam coming out of the pot? Say: When water turns to gas, we do not often see it. Water has three parts: Solid, liquid and gas. Each is part of water. The Triune God has three parts: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God the Father created us, God the Son saved us and God the Holy Spirit guides us. They are all God. Say to your children: Today we read about The Holy Spirit, one part of the Triune God. The Holy Spirit cannot be seen yet is with us all the time. The Holy Spirit guides us in truth by helping us to know God better and do the right thing.
Going Activities To Consider
Use question four in the reflection and discussion area as your guide to GO today.
4. As the Holy Spirit counsels you – convicting you, encouraging you, teaching you, and strengthening you, what are you hearing (see Mk 4:9; Jas 1:22)? How are you responding?