John 16: The Spirit of Truth
Guidance and Hope Through the Promise of the Holy Spirit
John Chapter 16
1. “I have told you this so that you may not fall away.
2. They will expel you from the synagogues; in fact, the hour is coming when everyone who kills you will think he is offering worship to God.
3. They will do this because they have not known either the Father or me.
4. I have told you this so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you.
“I did not tell you this from the beginning, because I was with you.
5. But now I am going to the one who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
6. But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.
7. But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
8. And when he comes he will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:
9. sin, because they do not believe in me;
10. righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me;
11. condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
12. “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
13. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming.
14. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
15. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
16. “A little while and you will no longer see me, and again a little while later and you will see me.”
17. So some of his disciples said to one another, “What does this mean that he is saying to us, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?”
18. So they said, “What is this ‘little while’ [of which he speaks]? We do not know what he means.”
19. Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing with one another what I said, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’?
20. Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
21. When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.
22. So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
23. On that day you will not question me about anything. Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you.
24. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
25. “I have told you this in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures but I will tell you clearly about the Father.
26. On that day you will ask in my name, and I do not tell you that I will ask the Father for you.
27. For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have come to believe that I came from God.
28. I came from the Father and have come into the world. Now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
29. His disciples said, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
30. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
31. Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?
32. Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
33. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
Commentary on John Chapter 16
The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, will come to guide the disciples into all truth, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11). The Spirit will glorify Jesus by revealing his teachings to the disciples (John 16:13-15).
Sorrow and Joy: Jesus acknowledges the disciples' impending sorrow due to his departure but assures them that their grief will turn into joy, similar to a woman’s joy after childbirth (John 16:20-22).
Prayer in Jesus’ Name: Jesus encourages the disciples to ask the Father in his name, promising that their prayers will be answered and their joy will be complete (John 16:23-24).
Peace and Courage: Jesus concludes by offering peace to his disciples, reminding them of his victory over the world and encouraging them to take courage despite the troubles they will face (John 16:33).
Catechism References for John Chapter 16
CCC 692: Discusses the Holy Spirit as the Advocate, reflecting Jesus’ promise of the Spirit’s coming (John 16:7).
CCC 2615: Relates to prayer in Jesus’ name, emphasizing the promise that the Father will grant requests made in Jesus’ name (John 16:23-24).
CCC 2725: Addresses the struggle and perseverance in prayer, which can be related to the disciples’ need for courage and persistence in faith (John 16:33).
Applying John Chapter 16 to Daily Life
Rely on the Holy Spirit: Seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in your daily life, trusting in the Spirit’s role to lead you into truth and understanding.
Transform Sorrow into Joy: In times of difficulty or sorrow, hold onto the promise that Jesus can transform grief into joy, finding hope in his resurrection and victory.
Pray with Confidence: Approach God in prayer with confidence, asking in Jesus’ name and trusting in his promise to hear and answer your prayers.
Find Peace in Christ: Amidst life’s challenges, remember Jesus’ assurance of peace and his victory over the world, drawing strength and courage from his words.
Action Plan
Embrace the Role of the Holy Spirit:
Read about Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit, who will guide, convict, and reveal truth (John 16:5-15).
Reflect on the Holy Spirit's role in your life as a source of guidance, conviction, and truth.
Consider how you can be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's presence and promptings, perhaps through prayer, meditation, or being open to His leading in your daily decisions.
Find Joy Amidst Challenges:
Focus on Jesus' teaching about the disciples' grief turning to joy (John 16:16-24).
Reflect on the promise that, despite challenges and sorrow, joy will come through Jesus' victory and presence.
Identify ways to cultivate joy in your life, even during difficult times, by focusing on gratitude, hope, and the assurance of Jesus' love and promises.
Seek Peace in Jesus:
Study Jesus' assurance of peace in Him, despite the troubles of the world (John 16:25-33).
Reflect on the peace that Jesus offers, which transcends circumstances and is rooted in His overcoming the world.
Make a plan to seek and maintain this peace in your life, perhaps by setting aside time for prayer, reflection, or activities that help you connect with Jesus and His peace.
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