In John 16, Jesus promises joy and peace, but not without plenty of troubles along the way. The chapter begins with His instruction to stand firm, whatever the cost. If the disciples had underestimated the extent of the world’s hatred (15:18-20), they surely got the message when Jesus goes on to highlight just how severe the persecution will become. To be put “out of the synagogues” was to face devastating consequences, both socially and economically. Worse, some of Jesus’ followers will be killed for their allegiance to Him. Yet the greatest danger we as disciples will confront in the world is not death but defection, or “falling away.” Following Jesus is costly. But to abandon our faith in Christ would be a far greater disaster than to die for Him (v 1-4). Though Jesus will soon return to heaven by way of His cross and resurrection, the disciples are too preoccupied with their own sorrow to express any sympathetic concern for their Master. Ironically, they still haven’t come to grips with the fact that Jesus’ departure is for their own good! The Spirit could not be given until Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and ascended. But the Spirit is not some poor substitute for the Son. Jesus, in His incarnation, was limited to a physical body. For three years, twelve men had direct access to Him—most of the time. But now, believers all over the world can stay connected with Jesus—all the time—through the indwelling Spirit (v 5-7). In relation to the world, the Holy Spirit convicts of “sin, righteousness, and judgment.” He is a defense attorney for believers, standing alongside those who struggle with doubts and fears. But with unbelievers, He is a prosecuting attorney, proving their guilt. The Spirit’s goal is to bring them to repentance. No one can be saved until they realize they are lost, and no one realizes how desperately lost they are, until the Holy Spirit brings conviction (v 8-11). As He relates to believers, the Holy Spirit conveys God’s Word. In His absence, the disciples of Jesus will not know Him less, but more! The Spirit of truth guided the apostles as they wrote what became the New Testament. And He continues helping all Christians understand the meaning and significance of this once-for-all revelation. He has been called “The Shy Sovereign, “for the Holy Spirit continually shines the spotlight on Christ, pointing us to Him—that we might go to Jesus, hear His Word, and receive eternal life (v 12-15). Tribulation cannot be avoided in this world, but the disciples’ sorrow would soon be transformed into joy, and their turmoil would give way to peace. Because Christ has overcome the grave, these gifts are ours also! (v 16-33). For further meditation: