Studying the work of the Spirit: five things Jesus announces in John 14 to 16
On the night of the Last Supper, Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure. He promises them that they will not be left alone: the Spirit will come. Chapters 14 to 16 of the Gospel of John contain the densest teaching in the New Testament about the work of the Holy Spirit. This weekly quest invites you to read them and note five things Jesus announces that the Spirit will do.
What it looks like in your day
Read over several days. One chapter a day is enough: John 14, then 15, then 16. Read slowly.
Look for the promises. Each time Jesus speaks of the Spirit (called the "Comforter," or the "Spirit of truth"), underline what he says the Spirit will do. Here are a few pointers to help you spot them:
- He abides with believers and in them (John 14:16-17).
- He teaches and reminds them of what Jesus said (John 14:26).
- He testifies of Jesus (John 15:26).
- He reproves the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8).
- He guides into all truth and shows things to come (John 16:13).
- He glorifies Jesus (John 16:14).
Write your personal list. Keep five items that speak to you. For each: what does Jesus say, and what does it change for me?
Notice a common thread. Almost everything the Spirit does is tied to Jesus: he recalls what Jesus said, testifies of him, glorifies him. The Spirit doesn't push himself forward, he puts Jesus forward.
Give thanks. For each item, a specific thank-you.
Look for an application. Where do I need what the Spirit does? Teaching, support, conviction, direction?
If you are in a hurry, read only the verses cited. If you are shy about these chapters, remember that they were written for ordinary people. If you have questions, note them and share them in a group.
What the Bible says
Jesus says to his disciples:
“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:”
"He shall testify of me": the Spirit points to Jesus. He extends his presence. A little further on, Jesus explains why his departure is an advantage:
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you 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. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:”
"It is expedient for you that I go away": an astonishing statement. Thanks to the Spirit, God's presence will no longer be limited to one place and one moment. And about his role, Jesus says: "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 16:14).
Pitfalls to avoid
Reading to build a theory. These chapters are farewell words, charged with emotion. Read them as the words of a friend.
Forgetting the context. Jesus is speaking to his disciples, on a specific evening. Some promises are addressed first to them. What is said about the Spirit's presence holds for all believers.
Separating the Spirit from Jesus. The text links them constantly. Don't look for the Spirit without Jesus.
Fixating on manifestations. These chapters speak first of teaching, testimony, truth, conviction.
Going too fast. One chapter a day lets you savor it. Don't try to read it all in one go.
This week, read John 14 to 16. Note five things Jesus announces that the Spirit will do.