4 The Spirit & the Son: John 15:26—16:15
4
The Spirit & the Son
John 15:26—16:15
If you could be transported back in time to meet a long-ago person or witness an earth-shaking event, where and with whom would you wind up? We can all think of people we wish we could have met or momentous occasions where we wish we had been present.
How does Jesus fit into these imaginings? Is he simply another famous person from history, someone we’d have been thrilled to see and talk to? Scripture, our own experience and the experience of Christians through the ages tell us that Jesus is more than a figure from the Gospels or religious paintings. In his Spirit he lives with us here and now!
GROUP DISCUSSION. Complete this sentence: “I wish I had been there to see Jesus when he . . .”
PERSONAL REFLECTION. Imagine an event from Jesus’ life where you would like to have been present. Mentally put yourself there. What do you see? hear? smell? taste? feel?
After last week’s Scripture, Jesus talked with his disciples about his closeness with the Father and with them. Now he reassures them about his presence in the Spirit. Read John 15:26—16:15.
1. What contrasts did Jesus make between the disciples’ present and their future?
2. What questions would have risen in your mind as you heard Jesus say all this?
3. What will change when the Counselor comes?
4. Both the Spirit and the disciples testify about Jesus (15:26-27). Why are both sides of this partnership (between the Spirit and us) important?
5. What is the Spirit’s relationship to Jesus and the Father (15:26; 16:13-15)?
6. Why did Jesus let the disciples know the dangers ahead for them (16:1-4)?
7. The Spirit convicts the world of guilt in regard to sin, righteousness and judgment (16:8). In your own words, explain how he does this (16:9-11).
8. How can we effectively speak to people today about sin, righteousness and judgment, especially when these concepts are foreign or meaningless to so many?
9. How will the Spirit of truth guide the disciples into all truth when he comes (16:12-15)?
10. How does the Spirit make known to us what he revealed to the apostles?
11. How does this passage help you to understand the Holy Spirit’s unique ministry to you and to the world?
12. How do you see yourself fitting in with the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the world?
Thank God for the various ways that the Holy Spirit helps you. Pray for more sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading.
Now or Later
Complete the picture by reading the Scripture between studies three and four (John 14:12—15:25). How does it make a logical bridge between these two studies? What gaps does it fill in? What light does it shed on studies three and four?