7. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth, it is expedient that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you: but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
13. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
John 16 is a turning point in the disciples’ relationship with the Father and the Son. It is here that Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit — bringing clarity to the Trinity and comfort to His disciples, while preparing them for His crucifixion and Work of the Cross. Jesus knew the Will of God for His own life, that He must sacrifice himself to bring salvation to all that would follow Him. Being well aware that the disciples faith was still young, and their work in His absence was far greater, we see God’s perfect timing in comforting and protecting His children — “Let not your heart be troubled”, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter”, “Even the Spirit of truth”, “I will not leave you comfortless” (John 14:1,16-18).
Another turning point we see in John 16 is in Jesus’ teaching on prayer. In Luke 11:1 the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. He proceeds with “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be your name…”, which became known as the Lord’s Prayer — but more accurately is the Disciples Prayer. The Lord’s prayer found in John 17, was prayed by Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, “Father, the hour is come, glorify thy Son, that thy Son may glorify thee…” But John 16:23 marks a prayer turning point as Jesus, for the first time, instructs to pray to the Father in His name. “Verily, verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name, he will give it to you.”
Not only did the Work of the Cross pay our sin debt and bring salvation to the followers of Christ, but it also established Jesus as our High Priest. Removing the veil between the Father and His children, giving us direct access to God — so we pray in the name of Jesus as our advocate and intercessor that brings our prayers before the Throne of Grace.
When we consider John 16 in its fullness, we see the perfect harmony of the Trinity, and the essential role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus makes it clear that the coming of the Spirit is not an option to be considered, but a divine necessity essential to convict the sinner and guide to repentance — showing the pathway to receive grace. The Spirit brings vision to the spiritually blind, opening our spiritual eyes so that we understand the Scriptures — even leading us to those that can help bring clarity to the scriptures. We see this in Acts 1:14, when Jesus instructs the disciples to wait in Jerusalem to be baptized in the Spirit before starting their own ministries. Without the Holy Spirit they would lack the spiritual clarity needed to fully walk in the truth Jesus had taught them. The Spirit would bring to life and remind them of everything Jesus had taught them. Empowering them to go and “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the the Holy Spirit”, the Great Commission, (Matthew 28:19).
You can depend on the Holy Spirit to never lead you in the wrong direction. His only desire is giving you the truth to keep you Holy and your decisions wise. It is only when we ignore His voice, and lean on our own understanding, that we find ourselves with outcomes that we regret. He is a faithful companion providing the instructions that God has for your life. The Spirit is more than intuition or gut feeling — He is the presence of God dwelling in you (1 Corinthians 3:16), the omnipresence of God hovering over the earth, preparing your path (Genesis 1:2).
Application
God knows that we cannot live the Christian life on our own. Out of His love He has given us His Spirit to guide us, and His Son for us to follow — lighting the path to His promise of everlasting life. Begin your day with a prayer for spiritual enlightenment in the name of Jesus. Presenting your prayers before the Throne of Grace — while getting in tune with the Spirit and guarding yourself from the deception of the evil one.
Prayer
Father God in Heaven, I ask for spiritual wisdom through your Holy Spirit throughout this day, evening, and night. I pray to be Spirit-focused, and Spirit-led in my thoughts, actions, and words. When I am tempted, I pray the obedience of Christ be my example, and that your Spirit brings me to the strength of my convictions to live righteous. In Christ Jesus I pray. Amen.