John 16:1-15

Jesus now adds some details as to what this persecution he has warned them of will look like. They will be rejected from their synagogues (9:22,12:42) and may even be killed for their faith in Christ (Acts 7:57-60,12:1-2). He knows how hard it will be, and he wants them to be ready when it comes. For the believer the loss of life is not defeat because of the promise of eternal life, Jesus wants his disciples to know that whatever their circumstances they can be victorious.

In the face of this impending trouble there is the promise, once again, that the Spirit will come. The work of the Spirit comes in many forms and Jesus describes the conviction he will bring in three ways:

1.the conviction of the unbeliever of the need for repentance from their sins,

2.  the conviction of the need for true righteousness

3. the awareness of judgement to come.

For the disciple he brings the assurance that they are not alone, and that they will be taught and led by the Spirit as they journey on without Jesus.

Around the world there are believers who are suffering just as Jesus describes. Many ostracised, imprisoned and killed for the gospel. Take a moment to pray for them that they will know the presence of the comforter today.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.