Resources for the Mission
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David, resources for killing Goliath. He chose a sling and a few stones. He refused armour that didn’t fit And a sword that may have been too big. He used resources that were appropriate for him for the mission.
A few weeks ago we started looking at Jesus’ Farewell Discourse - or his Last Will and Testament. We started by reflecting on...
Part 1: What the disciples can expect -
Jesus is leaving to prepare a place but will return.
Jesus’ expectations of the disciples
love one another
believe in him
do greater works
What Jesus will give
Comfort
Hope
Holy Spirit
Part 2: Talked about obedience
we demonstrate our love for Jesus by obeying his commands - namely to love one another
The Holy Spirit will help us obey and will instruct
Part 3: Jesus discussed what life in the vine is like.
it requires
Pruning
Connection
it results in
fruit
love
answered prayer
Last week we looked at...
Part 4: Jesus set some difficult expectations for his followers
Expect hatred because of him
Expect help from the Holy Spirit
Expect hazard’s along the way - namely falling away or apostasy
Expect Heaven’s plan to prevail
Today, we come to the final section of Jesus’ Last Will and Testament - or his farewell discourse, we learn about two significant resources that Jesus will leave for his followers - the Spirit and the Son.
As we go through the outline today, we are leveraging and adapting some of the work of Bruce Milne - as his analysis seemed to clearly delineate this section of scripture in a logical and memorable way.
So, first of all, Jesus reveals...
The active resources of the Spirit (John 16:5-15)
The active resources of the Spirit (John 16:5-15)
The Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity, is not a vague, mystical force. He is a person. He is an active person. Jesus communicates here that the Spirit is active in three ways - in addition to the ways that we’ve seen in prior weeks.
The first activity we see is...
The Spirit’s coming (John 16:5-7)
The Spirit’s coming (John 16:5-7)
Jesus has told his disciples that he is getting ready to go, to return to the Father. He has already promised that the comforter or helper or Spirit of Truth would be sent. So here, for the fourth time in His farewell discourse - Jesus promises that the Spirit will come.
But Jesus communicates this in a rather interesting way.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
It seems odd for Jesus to say that it is to the disciples “advantage” or in other translations, that it is “expedient” for Jesus to go. There is a contingency here - if Jesus doesn’t go, then the Spirit won’t come. There is this dance that seems to happen among the Trinity. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit all work in sync and cooperation with each other - in part because they are one, but also because they have different roles and functions.
One of the early church fathers, Athanasius, discussed their work this way:
“The Son is sent from the Father; for he says, ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). The Son sends the Spirit; ‘If I go away,’ he says, ‘I will send the Paraclete’ (John 16:7). The Son glorifies the Father, saying ‘Father, I have glorified thee’ (John 17:4). The Spirit glorifies the Son; for he says: ‘He shall glorify me’ (John 16:4). The Son says: ‘The things I heard from the Father speak I unto the world’ (John 8:26). The Spirit takes of the Son; ‘He shall take of mine,’ he says, ‘and shall declare it unto you’ (John 16:14). The Son came in the name of the Father. ‘The Holy Spirit,’ says the Son, “whom the Father will send in my name’ (John 14:26).”
(Beeke, 151)
So in this beautiful dance of mutual glorification and unified communication, the Spirit comes into the world - as Jesus said before - to be with us and to be in us (John 14:17).
So the spirit has come. He has indwelled believers. The question is do we recognize him? Or do we assume he is only a sometimes help? There when we actually need him but ignored the rest of the time?
In his coming, we get to see the second way that the Spirit works as an active resource, that is...
The Spirit’s convicting (John 16:8-11)
The Spirit’s convicting (John 16:8-11)
So the Spirit won’t simply come and be a presence with us in the world, Jesus tells us that the Spirit has a work of convicting that works in three different ways - namely of sin, righteousness and judgment.
And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Notice, that this work that the Holy Spirit is doing is focused on the world - the non-believing world.
Before we get to the focus of the convicting work, let’s consider what that word means. There are several different ways that word in Greek could be translated - to convince or expose or convict. Don Carson notes that this word is used 18 times in the NT. Each time, the purpose of the word is to show someone their sin - often as a “summons to repentance.” The Spirit is not simply pointing something out, but pointing it out in order to produce a change.
So the Spirit’s work begins with convicting the world...
of sin - “because they do not believe in” Jesus (9). Jesus is the perfect human. He is the one who has perfectly fulfilled all of God’s righteous decrees. He is the perfect sacrifice. When we compare ourselves to Christ, we are filthy. We need that perfect comparison. The Spirit helps us to see that. Carson notes: “If they did believe in Jesus, they would believe his statements about their guilt and turn to him. As it is, their unbelief brings not only condemnation (3:18, 36) but willful ignorance of their need.” In order for us to come to faith, to receive Jesus’ perfect gift of forgiveness and salvation - we have to recognize our sin.
Friend - where do you stand with your sin? Have you been convicted of your need of a savior? Have you been convicted of the presence of your sin?
Beloved, while Jesus is talking specifically about the convicting work of the Spirit to the world - which ultimately he must do in order for anyone to turn - we also have to recognize the convicting work of the Spirit in our lives. While we are covered by Jesus’ sacrifice, we still willfully rebel against God. It doesn’t affect our eternal standing, but it does impact our witness in the world and our walk with God. Pay attention to that convicting work of the Spirit in your life and repent when He prompts.
But in addition to convicting the world of sin, Jesus says the Spirit convicts the world...
of righteousness - because Jesus would be returning to the Father. Now, at first read, this seems like a non sequitur - like the two don’t have anything to do with each other. But, again if we look at how Jesus lived his life on earth, he demonstrated perfect righteousness. He became like a perfect plumb line - the perfect standard.
When I was in Middle School I had a take a Home Economics class. We did a bit of cooking and sewing and cleaning. One of the things I remember from the teacher is that she said to measure liquids on a flat surface - otherwise things will not be measured properly. I’ve been reliving that because there are some things that I mix at home using water. I’ll pour water in the bowl and notice that it’s at the appropriate line, but when I set the bowl on the counter, I realize my measurement was off because my perspective was not right or true.
In much the same way - now that Jesus has returned to the father, the Spirit’s work of convicting of righteousness is that level standard. He helps us see that our entire perspective is skewed. We don’t realize we’re standing on unrighteous grounds.
Finally, the Holy Spirit’s work include convicting...
of judgment - because the ruler of this world is judged. The ruler of this world is (already) judged - Satan’s end is fixed and his demise is certain. The execution of God’s judgement hasn’t happened yet.
While there is a lot of grand work that the Spirit has been doing over the centuries and will continue to do in the future, Scripture does reveal a fulfillment of Jesus’ words that happened just a few weeks after he spoke them - at Pentecost.
Joel Beeke References it this way: ( read the corresponding bullets)
Christ’s promise of the Paraclete:
The Advocate will convict the world of sin, because of it’s unbelief in Jesus (John 16:8-9)
The Advocate will convict the world of righteousness because it will no longer see Jesus after he goes to the Father (John 16:10)
The Advocate will convict the world that judgment has fallen on its ruler (John 16:11)
Peter’s Preaching at Pentecost:
They had crucified the Lord, and Christ pierced them to the hear so that they cried, “what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37)
Jesus is God’s “Holy One,” whom he raised from the dead and exalted to pour out the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:27; 31-33).
Christ’s death was foreordained by God, issuing in his victory over death and exaltation to God’s right hand (Acts 2:22-24, 34)
(Beeke’s chart on p. 156)
In addition to the Spirit’s active work of coming and convicting, Jesus communicates thirdly the active work of...
The Spirit’s counseling (John 16:12-15)
The Spirit’s counseling (John 16:12-15)
Or guiding.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Just as a legal counselor might guide us through a tricky series of courtroom proceedings or a wilderness guide my help us navigate trails that may seem unknown to us, so to the Spirit will counsel or guide us through all that the Father and the Son want us to know, expect, and experience.
The Holy Spirit is an active resource in our lives - are we paying attention? Are we heeding the advice of that still small voice?
In the face of the adversity that we discussed last week, we have the Spirit as an active resource. In addition to that, Jesus communicates that we also have..
The accomplished resources of the Son (John 16:16-33)
The accomplished resources of the Son (John 16:16-33)
Jesus has been telling his disciples that he would be leaving - returning to the Father. But before he does that, he has to leave through the pain and agony of the cross. And yet Jesus communicates that this loss is not without it’s gain. First of all, he discusses the resource of...
The Son’s presence (John 16:16-22)
The Son’s presence (John 16:16-22)
Jesus uses some interesting language here that has puzzled many people over the years.
“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”
Some have wondered if Jesus was referring to the cross and his death or if he is talking about his ascension and then second coming. The cross would certainly be a little while. The Second Coming has now been nearly 2000 years - which is a long while for us.
Based on the context and the emotional concerns, Jesus seems to be talking about the cross.
Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
His death and burial would be a time of mourning and lament for the disciples. It would be a time of rejoicing for the world. But both would be short-lived. At the resurrection, Jesus would be returned to the disciples for a short time. There would be no turning back. In fact, he says later that...
So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.
Now that Jesus has risen from the dead - and did so in person - he has accomplished the hope of eternal life that all believers long for. We get to look back on that day in confidence a say with the apostle Paul and the prophets Isaiah and Hosea...
When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
But there is a second accomplished resource that Jesus discusses...
The Son’s provision (John 16:23-28)
The Son’s provision (John 16:23-28)
Specifically, Jesus is providing direct access to the Father. We don’t need a priest or a mediator. We don’t need rituals. We get to go directly to Him!
In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
and again he reiterates that a few verses later:
In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.
A few weeks ago we discussed the idea of praying “in Jesus name.” In that case, the context seemed to refer to the act of abiding - remaining in Jesus. I was challenged by the notion of praying “in Jesus name” - asking if my heart, mind, intentions, and motivations are truly aligned with Him. It’s affected my prayers. I truly pause before I close my prayers and do a brief heart check. I noticed some of my family members doing the same.
While I think that heart check is important, there is another aspect of praying “in Jesus name” that I did not bring up last time, frankly because I didn’t think about it. You see, here the context references more of an act of faith. Being in Jesus is a matter of trusting in him. He is our access to the Father. So, in a sense, when we pray “in Jesus name” we acknowledge that Jesus is the conduit through which we address the Father. We would have no access except through the accomplished work of Jesus on the cross.
In our prayers - we should check our hearts to make sure that we are aligned and abiding with Jesus. But we should also pray with confidence in His name, knowing that Jesus has secured our access to and relationship with God the Father.
Bruce Milne comments:
The addition of ‘in Jesus name’ is not some pedantic formality. It witnesses to the only basis of all intercession, namely the earthly sacrifice and heavenly intercession of Jesus, by which alone to all eternity we may draw near to the ‘throne of the heavenly grace’.
So, by rising from the dead, Jesus accomplished what no one else could by returning in physical presence to the disciples. We have the hope of his future return. He also provided a means of us having access to the Father.
The third accomplishment we see in this passage is...
The Son’s position (John 16:29-33)
The Son’s position (John 16:29-33)
From their vantage point, Jesus would be arrested later that night. He would be tried and the crucified. On the third day he would rise from the dead. A little over a month later, Jesus would ascend to the Father - to be seated at his right hand. As it says in Hebrews,
But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
Jesus is in a victorious position. His one act of obedience brought victory over sin and death. It brought the hope of eternal life.
Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Even though he is a couple of days from fully realizing his victory, he talks about it as a sure thing - it would happen. Now, we get to see from this side of the cross that it has happened. As we’ll read in a few chapters:
John 19:30 (ESV)
“It is finished...”
Don Carson appropriately comments:
“Jesus has conquered the world, in the same way that he has defeated the prince of this world. Jesus’ point is that by his death he has made the world’s opposition pointless and beggarly. The decisive battle has been waged and won. The world continues its wretched attacks, but those who are in Christ share the victory he has won. They cannot be harmed by the world’s evil, and they know who triumphs in the end. From this they take heart, and begin to share his peace.”
Closing thoughts
Closing thoughts
So, as we walk through the varied journey that God has ordained for us, we get to walk in the confidence of knowing all that Jesus has accomplished. He did it. It is His victory. He overcame. His victory gets to be shared with us who believe by faith. Our victory has been sealed in Jesus.
And yet our victory is also a work in progress. Jesus has accomplished it but we don’t yet get the full realization until our reunion with him. So, to that end, we have the active participation of the Spirit in our lives. He came and is with you - brother and sister in Christ. Rest in that confidence. He is working in the world convicting of sin, righteousness and judgment. As we proclaim the good news, he is working, convicting. Even before we speak - he is working. But he is also counseling - guiding us.
Let’s pray.
The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper
Benediction
Benediction
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Sources:
Beeke, Joel R. and Paul M. Smalley. Reformed Systematic Theology Volume 3: Spirit and Salvation, Wheaton, IL. Crossway, 2021.
Burge, Gary M. The NIV Application Commentary: John. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2000.
Carson, D. A. The Gospel according to John. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; W.B. Eerdmans, 1991.
Crossway Bibles. The ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008.
Gangel, Kenneth O. John. Vol. 4. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000.
Milne, Bruce. The Message of John (The Bible Speaks Today). Downers Grove, IL. Inter-Varsity Press, 1993