“A JOURNEY THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF JOHN” ST. JOHN 16: 12-22 THE MINISTRY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN GLORIFYING THE SON, JESUS CHRIST

Indeed, the glorification of our Blessed Lord by the Holy Spirit, is the preeminent and central subject of the passage before us.  Although the Lord will ascend into heaven to dwell with His Father, His departure will mean the presence of the Holy Spirit taking up residence into the life of every believer.  The Holy Spirit’s ministry is so vital to our spiritual growth, for He will accomplish the work which He was sent to perform in us, if only we will yield to Him!

Every believer is indeed blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit, for the Holy Spirit quickens us (St. John 3:6); He indwells us (I Corinthians 6:19); He leads us (Romans 8:14); He grants us the assurance of our son-ship (Romans 8:16); He helps us in our weakness by making intercession for us (Romans 8:26); He seals us unto the Day of Redemption (Ephesians 4:30).  Again, the awesome ministry of the Holy Spirit is so vital to our Christian experience, for He empowers us to do our Master’s will!

In verses 12 and 13, the Holy Spirit’s ministry was needed because the disciples were obsessed with sorrow because of Jesus’ departure from them; however, the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit, would lead them into the truth about Jesus and His great mission.  What a wonderful promise declaring that the Holy Spirit will guide us into the truth of the Word.  Contextually, the disciples’ lack of understanding of the essence of the Person and work of Jesus, will be consummated as the Holy Spirit gives insight into the deeper meaning of Christ’s cross and resurrection experience, as well as, the truth regarding His return.  According to verse 14, the chief or main mission of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Son.

The Holy Spirit has a blessed ministry of presenting the things of God, for    I Corinthians 2:9-10 says – “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that loved Him.  But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.”  The unique bond that existed between the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit is brought out in verse 15, for Christ said:  “All things that the Father hath are mine:  therefore said I, that He (the Spirit) shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”  The Holy Spirit brought glory to Jesus as He unfolded to the disciples things regarding the Person and work of Jesus.

Beginning with verse 16, our Lord’s revelation to His disciples shifts from the Spirit’s future work to what lies ahead for the disciples.  In verses 16-18, although the disciples were confused regarding Christ’s departure from them, Christ’s death, resurrection and post resurrection ministry, along with His ascension, will make Christ’s enigmatic statements obvious to them!  Knowing that bewilderment existed among His blessed disciples, yet Christ perceived that their sorrow will be transformed to joy (v. 19-20).  In verses 21-22, our Lord illustrated the truth of pain turned to joy by the pain of child birth followed by the joy of delivery when a child is born.  The disciples experienced the pain of Christ’s departure, but the joy was experienced when they saw Him after His resurrection!  May God Bless!