Getting the Meaning out of the Text

March 17, 1998

PAM 143. Homiletics I

Reverend Luther Strasen

Mark Berlin

1817 Glenwood Ave.

Fort Wayne, In. 46805

Text

June 7 -- Holy Trinity and the First Sunday in Pentecost.

John 16:12-15

Romans 5:1-5

Proverbs 8:22-31

John 16:12-15

NKJ John 16:12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

The Text in Its Setting

John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, writes these words to what may have been a mostly Greek audience. His primary purpose is that his readers might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing they might have life in his name.

The words of John 16 place us at the end of Christ’s public ministry, after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and in the upper room giving his disciples final(pre-crucifixion) instruction. In the course of his “Upper Room Discourse” he has washed his disciples feet, predicted his betrayal and Peters denial. He comforts his disciples and reminds them again that he is the way, the truth and the life. He promises them the Holy Spirit, tells them to stay rooted in him (Vine and Branches) and prepares them for the hate the world will exhibit towards him on his account. The words of the text are part of Jesus’ teaching on the work of the Holy Spirit. Following the text, Jesus lets them know that their up and coming grief will turn to joy. Jesus concludes his discourse with what is known as his High Priestly Prayer. Directly after this Jesus’ Passion begins.

Additional references for review include the following: For Jn 16:12- Mk 4:33,

1 Col 3:2. For Jn 16:13 -- Jn 14:10,17!, 26!, Ps 25:5. For Jn 16:14 -- Jn 8:54!

For Jn 16:15 -- Jn 17:10. Include examination of Pentecost - Acts 2 and Old Testament references -- Numbers11:25, Isa 44:3, Eze 39:29.

Text in the Vernacular

There is a strong Trinitarian emphasis in this text. Jesus wants his disciples to know that as he came from the Father and has spoken the truth, the Spirit comes from both the Father and the Son, and continues to speak the truth. Jesus prepares them for the day of Pentecost and considerately does not over burden them with more knowledge than they could presently bear. The message that jumps out of this text is that as Jesus was the truth and spoke truth, so to the Spirit is one of truth and will continue guiding in truth. Not only this, but as the Father is Glorified in the Son so is the Son glorified in the Spirit. What a comfort this must have been to the disciples who were facing (yet did not understand) Jesus’ physical departure from earth. They could not imagine life without him. Could we? This text is not just relevant to Jesus’ Apostles and their guidance but also refers to Christ’s continued guidance of his Church.

Doctrines for consideration include the Trinity, Grace, the Building and Preservation of the Church, True and False Churches, and insistence of Purity of Doctrine.

The Text in the Original

After completing a translation, word studies of the following English words and their Greek roots needs to be done: Search John for his uses of -- bear, authority, glorify, “what is mine”, and declare. Search the entire scriptures for -- “Spirit of truth” and truth.

Amplifying Basic Concepts

Look for themes of guidance and the continuation of instruction, in the Old Testament e.g. it is God, that through his grace, leads us to follow his precepts and laws. Look for themes of authority and “what is mine is yours” e.g. Elijah and Elisha. Look for themes of Gods guidance in truth. Look for themes reminding Gods people that he is always with them.

Central Thought

Rejoice, we are not alone. Jesus is ever present and continually guiding his Church.