John 16:12-15
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. – John 16:13
Today’s passage brings to mind a master craftsman who, on the eve of his departure, wishes to pass on all his skills to his apprentices. Yet, he knows that their current abilities are insufficient to bear the full weight of his legacy.
As Jesus prepared for his departure, He understood that His disciples were not yet ready to carry the burden before them. Concepts like suffering, persecution, and sacrificing for the truth were still beyond their comprehension. His teachings remained only partially understood, and some may have already been forgotten.
That is why Jesus said, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:12-13)
In our own spiritual journeys, we would often find ourselves facing challenges and difficulties we’ve never encountered before. In those moments, we may feel lost and helpless, forgetting how His teachings apply to our circumstances. Yet, we thank God for the Holy Spirit, who wonderfully leads us into “all truth,” opening our minds to understand and embrace the revelations of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit not only reminds us of the teachings of the “historical Son—Jesus,” but also conveys to us the eternal revelations of the Son. Therefore, the Spirit does not merely recount the past but also communicates what He has received from the Son in eternity.
According to John’s understanding, the Holy Spirit’s guidance operates in two directions:
1. Historical remembrance: Bringing to mind the words and actions of Jesus during His time on earth.
2. Eternal revelation: Communicating the eternal truths of the Father and the Son, enabling us to apply God’s unchanging truth in our present age.
Today, the Spirit of truth continues to teach, remind, and reveal truths in our hearts. Moreover, the Spirit works within our individual circumstances, understanding, and abilities to help us discern and obey God’s will.
So, when we read the Bible or encounter situations we cannot comprehend, we should pray for the Spirit of truth to illuminate our hearts, revealing the Father’s intentions so that we may understand and align ourselves with His good will.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank You for coming among us as our Teacher and Comforter. I need Your guidance to understand the truth of God’s Word. Help me to live according to the truth of Jesus and walk in the way of life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Today’s passage brings to mind a master craftsman who, on the eve of his departure, wishes to pass on all his skills to his apprentices. Yet, he knows that their current abilities are insufficient to bear the full weight of his legacy.
As Jesus prepared for his departure, He understood that His disciples were not yet ready to carry the burden before them. Concepts like suffering, persecution, and sacrificing for the truth were still beyond their comprehension. His teachings remained only partially understood, and some may have already been forgotten.
That is why Jesus said, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:12-13)
In our own spiritual journeys, we would often find ourselves facing challenges and difficulties we’ve never encountered before. In those moments, we may feel lost and helpless, forgetting how His teachings apply to our circumstances. Yet, we thank God for the Holy Spirit, who wonderfully leads us into “all truth,” opening our minds to understand and embrace the revelations of Jesus.
The Holy Spirit not only reminds us of the teachings of the “historical Son—Jesus,” but also conveys to us the eternal revelations of the Son. Therefore, the Spirit does not merely recount the past but also communicates what He has received from the Son in eternity.
According to John’s understanding, the Holy Spirit’s guidance operates in two directions:
1. Historical remembrance: Bringing to mind the words and actions of Jesus during His time on earth.
2. Eternal revelation: Communicating the eternal truths of the Father and the Son, enabling us to apply God’s unchanging truth in our present age.
Today, the Spirit of truth continues to teach, remind, and reveal truths in our hearts. Moreover, the Spirit works within our individual circumstances, understanding, and abilities to help us discern and obey God’s will.
So, when we read the Bible or encounter situations we cannot comprehend, we should pray for the Spirit of truth to illuminate our hearts, revealing the Father’s intentions so that we may understand and align ourselves with His good will.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, thank You for coming among us as our Teacher and Comforter. I need Your guidance to understand the truth of God’s Word. Help me to live according to the truth of Jesus and walk in the way of life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.