His amazing love

‘I have much more to tell you, but now it would be too much for you to bear. When, however, the Spirit comes, who reveals the truth about God, he will lead you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own authority, but he will speak of what he hears and will tell you of things to come. He will give me glory, because he will take what I say and tell it to you.’ (verses 12-14)

Read John 16:12-15

This passage tells us so much about Jesus. First, it shows us his amazing love and compassion. At a   time   when his approaching suffering   and death must be weighing heavily on his mmd, he tells his disciples he will not try to tell them too much at this time, because they just couldn’t take it all in. At a time when he is about to suffer and die, he prays for his friends.

But he is also thinking of them and the time when they will not have him with them permanently—at least physically, as they know him. So he tells them of the Holy Spirit, whose job it will be to ‘finish’ Jesus’ teaching ministry. He will make things clear to them, help them understand the truth, and keep pointing them to Jesus, their friend.

And all this when he knows he is within a few hours of hanging from a cross.

Jesus shows the same compassion for you and me. He tells us, too, (through Paul), that ‘God keeps his promise, and will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm’ (1 Corinthians 10:113b).

This, too, is achieved through the Holy Spirit. Praise God.

I thank you, Jesus, for your love for me, even though it caused you so much agony. Amen.

by Robert Turnbull, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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