John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 (NRSV)
Read John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 26"When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. Verse 27You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. Verse 4But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. "I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. Verse 5But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' Verse 6But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.
Verse 7Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. Verse 8And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: Verse 9about sin, because they do not believe in me; Verse 10about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; Verse 11about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. Verse 12"I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. Verse 13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. Verse 14He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. Verse 15All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Devotion
Love That Helps Us Remember and Hope
Jesus gave important last words before going back to the Father. These were abiding words that would help them "remember." This remembering is not merely a, keeping some thought in mind, it is action. It is action that takes hold of Jesus' promise. It is action that moves one to walk with confidence into the future God has planned for you.
Knowing Jesus was going back to the Father, the disciples were afraid of their future. But love was not about to leave them orphaned. Jesus promised to be present with them in the person of the Holy Spirit, to be their guide and to help them remember. Jesus makes that promise not only to the disciples of old, but also to us: "The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of (make you remember) all that I have said to you. …My peace I give to you…Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." (John 14:26-27)
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for your presence with us in the person of the Holy Spirit who even now is transforming my fears into a living hope. Amen.