The Coming of the Advocate

Beyond the Present Time
Resurrection Hope
The Holy Spirit Comes

John 16:1-11

The Message

16 ^1-4 “I’ve told you these things to prepare you for rough times ahead. They are going to throw you out of the meeting places. There will even come a time when anyone who kills you will think he’s doing God a favor. They will do these things because they never really understood the Father. I’ve told you these things so that when the time comes and they start in on you, you’ll be well-warned and ready for them.

The Friend Will Come

^4-7 “I didn’t tell you this earlier because I was with you every day. But now I am on my way to the One who sent me. Not one of you has asked, ‘Where are you going?’ Instead, the longer I’ve talked, the sadder you’ve become. So let me say it again, this truth: It’s better for you that I leave. If I don’t leave, the Friend won’t come. But if I go, I’ll send him to you.

^8-11 “When he comes, he’ll expose the error of the godless world’s view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: He’ll show them that their refusal to believe in me is their basic sin; that righteousness comes from above, where I am with the Father, out of their sight and control; that judgment takes place as the ruler of this godless world is brought to trial and convicted.

For Reflection

Jesus left this world so that his death could fulfill the prophecies. Jesus died so that He could become the divine advocate for human kind. Know that you have a strong friend at the right hand of God. Jesus will speak for you. The Spirit will guide you. You will be comforted during the trials of human existence.

 

Pray

that your faith in God will carry you away from the greatest sin, separation from God. Pray that you accept the death of Christ as the fulfillment of God's intention for our salvation. Give thanks for the abiding grace of God in Jesus Christ.