Read the Passage: John 16

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: John 16

Spirit’s Ministry (16:1–15)

Two times in His upper room discourse Jesus had already promised the arrival of the Holy Spirit, whom He said would indwell (cf. John 14:16) and teach believers (cf. John 14:26). Now, in John 15:26–16:15 Christ explains further about the ministry of the Holy Spirit, as well as commenting again about His own looming departure. In John 15:26 Jesus notes that a primary ministry of the Holy Spirit is to testify about Christ. This speaks to the Spirit’s convicting people about the truth of Scripture, especially the gospel message as it is shared by Christians (cf. John 15:27). In John 16:1–4 Jesus teaches that this testifying function of the Holy Spirit ought to reassure believers. Indeed, the disciples, and all Christians, can be comforted in the face of subtle rejection or overt persecution, for it is the role of the Holy Spirit to apply the shared truth of the gospel.

At John 16:5 Jesus observed, “I go away to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are you going?’” This is a curious claim, as both Peter (cf. John 13:36) and Thomas (cf. John 14:5) had just asked Christ this question. This seeming contradiction can be resolved by noting that the disciples’ inquiry was driven by fear about their future, whereas Jesus was addressing their present lack of concern over His imminent suffering. Next, somewhat surprisingly, Christ taught that it was beneficial for Him to depart and for the Holy Spirit to arrive. This is because Jesus’ ministry was limited in scope during His bodily incarnation, whereas the Holy Spirit’s ministry is universal. In John 16:12–15 Christ mentions two additional ministries of the Spirit—that is: (1) the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, and (2) He illuminates Scripture. These ministries all work together to glorify God.

Disciples’ Question (16:16–24)

At John 16:16 Jesus taught, “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father.” Whereas earlier the disciples were confused about where Christ was going, in light of this new teaching, it seems that they now were confused about when He would depart and return. Indeed, in this verse Jesus was clear that he was “go[ing] to the Father,” yet the disciples were confused by Christ’s teaching that He would depart and then return in “a little while” (cf. John 16:17). Furthermore, Jesus’ claim that “you will not see Me” and “you will see Me” was understandably baffling to the disciples. Of course, with this teaching Christ was referring to His coming death and resurrection, as well as the imminent arrival of the Holy Spirit. The disciples, however, were afraid to ask Jesus the meaning of His teaching.

Christ knew that the disciples were confused about His coming death and resurrection. Therefore, in John 16:19–24 He explained this teaching in more detail. In John 16:20 Jesus noted that the world would rejoice over His death, and that the disciples would mourn; yet, He also taught that their “sorrow will be turned into joy.” In John 16:21–22 Christ illustrated His death and resurrection by likening it to the birth of a baby—that is, when a mother is in labor she has much pain and sorrow; however, after the arrival of a new life, the mother “no longer remembers the anguish for joy” (John 16:21). Next, Jesus describes what it will be like after His resurrection, and then after the arrival of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said that once He was resurrected, the disciples would ask Him for nothing, for they would be overcome with joy, and they would be able to ask the Father once He ascended.

Jesus’ Teaching (16:25–33)

In John 16:25–28 Jesus spoke plainly about the meaning of His earlier teaching at John 16:16. Here Christ clearly said, “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave world and go to the Father” (John 16:28). In light of Jesus’ plain speaking here, as well as perhaps their excitement about the content of His teaching, at John 16:30 the disciples confessed their belief in Christ. Although Jesus had just mentioned the disciples’ belief in Him (cf. John 16:27), at John 16:31 Christ’s uncertainty about their confession is evident as He skeptically asked, “Do you now believe?” Next, at John 16:32 Jesus explained that all of the disciples would soon be scattered, which shows the weakness of their faith. Furthermore, Christ explained the reason for His teaching was to promote peace in the hearts of the disciples in the midst of coming worldly persecution and their wavering faith.

Application Questions:

1. How would you distinguish the differences between the ministries of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
2. In what ways is it comforting to you to know that it is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict of sin?
3. Which of the ministries of the Holy Spirit has been most impactful to you: indwelling, teaching, testifying, convicting, or illuminating?
4. How is it better for Christians that Jesus has ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit has arrived?
5. Can you testify that you have experienced peace in Jesus despite the trials and suffering in the world?