Our scripture this morning is John 16:12-16.
“I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t 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, but he will speak whatever he hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you. In a little while, you will no longer see me; again in a little while, you will see me.”
Jesus is preparing His disciples for His crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. After that, they will receive the Holy Spirit, which will enable them to be His representatives. We are all called to be part of what God is doing in the world.
He tells them “everything the Father has is mine”, a statement He will repeat before He returns to heaven. In Matthew 28:18 Jesus says “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth”. Then He gives us the Great Commission to go in His name, making disciples of all the world.
With the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered and inspired to share the joy we have found in a relationship with God. While Jesus has gone to be with the Father, His lessons and His love remain in us. Now it is up to us to ensure that everyone knows what He has done, that our sins are forgiven when we come to Him in repentance.
Loving Lord, we are grateful for the gift of Your son who came to love and save and free us. Bless us to be energetic workers for Your kingdom, sharing our faith with everyone. Amen.
