John 16

Took a day off yesterday and went to the zoo (how cool is that). Anyway, here is the post for John 16:

     "When the Spirit of truth comes he will guide you in all truth . . . (16:13)." The role of Holy Spirit in our lives is not just the role of comforter and companion. The role of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to be illuminator, revealer and on going teacher. The Holy Spirit, we are told, will help us call to memory all that Jesus said and did.
     Jesus, continuing to prepare his followers for his impending death, addresses their confusion. He has told them that in a little while they will mourn and be sad but that sorrow will turn to joy. They do not understand. As I consider their situation I cannot imagine how they could understand. Rabbi's and teachers, saviors and anointed ones of God (which is what Christ/Messiah translates to); do not get executed as criminals and then come back to life again afterwards. Their confusion is typical and normal. What is not typical nor normal is Jesus' amazing promise. He is telling them that the pain is but for a short while (like a woman in labor) but when the pain is over there will be joy unspeakable.  Verse 20 sums it up: "Very truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice; you will have pain, but your pain will turn into joy!"
   He ends this chapter of great promises with the following promise: In the world you will have trouble. But take courage; I have conquered the world! (16:33)