Let’s recollect the sequence of events so far: Judas had gone out to
experience his night; Jesus had predicted the denial of Peter; the enemies of
Jesus were plotting His death. Sorrow had overwhelmed the disciples’ hearts and
they were panic stricken. Then Jesus told His disciples of His departure. But
they were more concerned about His departure than where He was going. None of
them seriously inquired of His destination. They were sad and troubled because
He told them that they would experience enmity. It’s true that as we
authentically live our faith, we must expect to face opposition. But instead of
being trial-centered, Jesus wants His followers’ attention to be set on the
resources available to them in the person of the Holy Spirit. While the Spirit
would help believers’ in their spiritual journey, He will also help them in
their roles as His messengers. Like a prosecutor the Holy Spirit would help to
bring about conviction of wrong to the world.
Hence we can understand why Jesus said it would be to their advantage
that He went away. His going would make room for the Holy Spirit to come. And
when He comes, He would illuminate hearts and bring about regeneration. We know
that it’s the Holy Spirit who would bring about spiritual realities. Here
Christ tells us that The Holy Spirit will bring about three awareness to the
world: a correct assessment of sin, a correct assessment of righteousness, and
a correct assessment of judgment.
The awareness of sin would be brought about because they failed to
believe in Christ. The Spirit would bring about a guilt-ridden conscience that
would drive one to seek relief through the mercy of God that could only be
found through believing in Christ. The awareness of righteousness would be
brought about because Jesus would be going to the Father and no longer be seen
physically. He was pointing to His resurrection and ascension. These would
clearly indicate that Christ’s righteous life was God’s accepted standard. And
as one becomes aware of what God’s accepted righteousness is, one would be
convicted of his or her lack of it. Concerning the awareness of coming
judgment, at the cross the prince of the world would now stand condemned. At
the cross Jesus would break the power of sin which Satan controls. He would
emerge as victor and bring condemnation on all the works of Satan.
Notice that the Holy Spirit would
work only through the believers. Of course God could do anything because He is
Sovereign. But here He tells us that His method would be through believers
doing the work of reaching the world, empowered by the Spirit. Our lives when
we are living in alignment with God are the channels of the Holy Spirit.
Through us God will bring enlightenment concerning sin, concerning Christ’s
standard of righteousness, and concerning the ultimate judgment that people can
avoid. Yes, we can become God’s life-giving force wherever we may be. What a
marvelous thought!
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