John 16 reminds me of those flashing blue lights coming up behind us on the highway. We automatically slow down as we check the speedometer, hoping they are after someone else. Today’s chapter is about trying to outrun the law. We begin with Jesus giving the disciples critical instructions just hours before His arrest. “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away”. Discouragement can destroy our motivation. Jesus warned them that “the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God… when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them”. I do not think they understood the level of persecution they would soon face. He then added “I am going away”. Faith can quickly waiver without regular assurances. But Jesus continued, “Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you”. The Third Person of the Trinity offers God’s perfect presence to each believer. Jesus taught that the Holy Spirit of God has an important job, “He will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment’. My personal experience may help explain. I truly believed that my good would outweigh my bad, and that God would give me a break. I did not understand God’s holy righteousness. When the Holy Spirit of God filled my heart, I saw my own sin compared to God’s Perfection. I was horrified. God had every right to judge me guilty.
Jesus added, “When He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth”. It is important to recognize that we also have God’s written Word, and the Spirit does not contradict the Word; “He will not speak on His own”. All creation has incredible order and structure and so does the will of God. “All that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from Me what He will make known to you”. Jesus glorifies the Father, and the Spirit glorifies the Son, and each has a role in leading us to repentance. Some folks ignore the speed limit sign, some ignore the blue lights, some have even wrecked, but God’s mercy is still available to all. Friend, where are you on your spiritual journey?
Jesus continued His instruction to the disciples, “In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see Me”. Jesus was pointing them beyond the cross toward the resurrection. They did not yet understand He would become the once-and-for-all sacrifice for sin. Sadly some things do not change, “you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices”. The world still cheers when a person of faith is mocked. “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy”. God’s mercy is greater than my failures. Jesus then gave an analogy to describe the change before and after spiritual renewal. Describing the birth experience of a mother, He says “when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy”. I do not dwell on my past; instead I find joy in His faithfulness to me today. He gave us a promise, “I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy”. Peace with God for eternity is our joy. He then offered a post-resurrection resource, “My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name… Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete”. This does not mean God answers to us, but rather by His Spirit, our desires become more in sync with the His will. We have access to God through the righteousness of Jesus, “the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me”. And finally, Jesus gives them something for the tough times, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. All believers received atonement with Christ on the cross. My friend, is God trying to get your attention? You cannot outrun the law, but you can escape guilt.