The Spirit supports believers against the world

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The Spirit supports believers against the world (John 16:8, 11)

The term ‘world’ (kosmos) is used by John more than any other NT writer (105 times, mainly in his Gospel) and with a variety of meanings, including the created planet (John 1:10), humanity (John 8:12) and, most often, humanity in its opposition to Jesus (John 7:7; 15:18; 16:20). In 16:8, 11, he uses the term to describe those who have rejected Jesus. 

Despite their unbelief, Jesus reciprocates not by rejecting them but by dying for them (John 1:29; 3:16–17; 4:42). In 16:7–11, Jesus reveals that, when he leaves his followers, the Spirit will undertake the same function of helping people who reject the truth of the gospel to realise the remarkable fact that it is not only true, but that it is good news for them. In particular, the Spirit will convict and convince them of their sin and the fact that Jesus is their saviour.

Consider the consternation of the disciples leading up to these statements by Jesus. In the narrative provided by John, the disciples have experienced widely diverse emotions. In 9:1–35, John records that Jesus healed a blind man and identified himself as the light of the world. 

This was followed by an account of many believing in him (10:40–42) and the resurrection of Lazarus (11:1–44), leading to other Jews believing in him (11:45). However, the so-called triumphal entry into Jerusalem by Jesus (12:12–13) preceded the disturbing revelation that people are following Jesus simply because he was a miracle worker (12:17, 37). Instead of being sought for the light he can bring, people have clamoured to see miracles.

After this, Jesus is no longer presented by John as ministering or even functioning in public. Hiding himself from people prefaces the path to the cross (John 12:36). If Jesus was not always successful, what hope would his followers have without him? 

Although he speaks about homes in heaven (14:1–4), he indicates that they are to walk there on a path of suffering, experiencing the hatred (15:18) and persecution (15:20) of others, resulting in their excommunication from the synagogues (16:2) and their being murdered (16:2). 

The questions they must have faced relate to how to succeed in such circumstances without Jesus.

It is into this turmoil of emotions that Jesus injects a message of hope—the Spirit will be with them forever (John 14:16). He will enable them to fulfil their missions (14:12–15), teach them (14:26), remind them of Jesus (15:26) and enable them to emulate Jesus—in revealing the truth of the gospel and encouraging people, supernaturally, to place their faith in him. 

The miraculous attraction of Jesus resulted in people following him (John 1:26), including Peter and Andrew (1:40–42), Philip (1:43) and Nathanael (1:45–49). 

That ability to convince people of the validity of Jesus would now be made available to the disciples by the Spirit, in the absence of Jesus. The devastation they felt at the news that Jesus was leaving them and was to do so by dying was cushioned by the announcement that he was going to send to them someone as remarkable as himself. 

The Spirit would empower, authorise them and settle them in the knowledge that they were not going to be on their own in this alien world, for he would be their wise advocate, personal mentor and trustworthy guide.

The Spirit’s work is for the benefit of an unbelieving world, that it would come to appreciate the wonder of Jesus, and the gulf between them and him caused by their sin (16:8–11). 

It is also for the benefit of the disciples, who are enabled to continue the work of Jesus. His ministry was effective because he was the Son of God. The question lurking in the minds of his disciples would be how they could carry on where he left off. How could they be certain that when they spoke, people would listen? Where they led, would anyone follow? 

John has the answer to these questions. The Spirit has come to earth to enable them and to go before them, working in the lives of those to whom they will speak, to ensure that the miraculous work of salvation will occur. He is to be their partner in mission, emulating Jesus and making it possible for them to be his effective followers. He is to be the best friend they will ever have, for his commitment to them will know no end.

The Spirit is a partner to believers in their evangelistic mission by doing what they cannot do—enabling unbelievers to see their sin and their need of Jesus. 

Therefore, when sharing the gospel, we must recognise that although our words and powers of persuasion may seem weak, our apologetic arguments insubstantial and our message powerless, the Spirit is already working in the lives of those to whom we speak. Although he will not force himself upon them, he has the capacity to convince them that Jesus is their only hope.



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