John 16:5-11
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
In today’s meditation Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for his physical absence. Read John 16:5-11 taking note of any questions or emotions that arise as you read.
Just prior to Jesus’ words in this passage, the disciples were full of questions, but now sadness overshadows their curiosity. What they don’t and can’t realize is that the physical absence of their master, teacher and friend will clear the way for his Spirit to live inside them always. They are faced with a reality that lies beyond their realm of knowledge and experience, and it is hard to believe even though they are trying.
The essence of sin is unbelief in Jesus but doubt and questions are normal responses when we encounter new ways of seeing and understanding Jesus. Jesus will consistently call his followers beyond the boundaries of what they know – this is part of our transformation journey - and Jesus welcomes our questions on that journey. If we never have doubts and questions, we are not most likely trusting in something other than the One who is the way, the truth and the life.
Stop for a moment to think about your own faith journey. Do you have any questions about faith, the Bible, or God that you have suppressed because you are afraid of where they might take you?
When your beliefs are challenged, how do you react? With curiosity? With defensiveness?
Talk to Jesus about this now.
Read John 16:5-11 again noting how Jesus says the Advocate works.
Human reasoning is inadequate for knowing God and being transformed into the image of Jesus. We need a helper - a power beyond ourselves that can open our eyes to new dimensions of truth.
When the Holy Spirit moves in a person, areas of hardened unbelief that have taken root are exposed. The Spirit brings people face to face with the reality that Jesus is exactly who he claims to be and is absolutely worthy to be believed in and obeyed. When someone refuses to turn to Jesus and follow him, they are, by default, aligning with the “ruler of this world” and taking on his judgment as their own.
The conviction of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, leads to freedom, and through the Holy Spirit of Jesus we have access to all truth - to Jesus himself who owns all that the Father has. The Advocate is eager to pass on Jesus to us and to lead us into ever widening vistas of reality.
The prophet Zechariah recorded a beautiful illustration of the way Jesus advocates for us in front of God the Father. For the last moments of this meditation, read Zechariah 3:1-3 and then talk to Jesus about anything you are thinking or feeling.
If you sense Jesus inviting you to do something in response to this meditation, make a plan to follow through before you move on with your day.
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