“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate^[a] won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. 10Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. 11 Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” v. 7-11

Jesus again is preparing his Disciples for his death and Resurrection.  As he teaches them he talks about the Advocate that will come once He returns to Heaven.  This Advocate will do three important things:

1. Convict the World of Sin
   
2. Reveal Gods standard of Righteousness
   
3. Proclaim the Truth of the Coming Judgment

The Holy Spirit is active in our world today.  Some will respond to Him revealing God to us, while others will harden their hearts toward his leading.  However, one day, we will all have to respond to these three issues, Our Sin, Gods Righteousness, and Final Judgment. How are you responding to the work of the Holy Spirit?

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith.” v.16:1

Jesus knows his time on earth is coming to an end.  These are some of his last words to prepare his disciples for what is coming.  He does this so they won’t abandon the faith!

This is an important statement for us today also.  Being a Christ Follower doesn’t mean you will have an easy life.  From people to pleasures, each of us have our own challenges.  The important thing to remember is that we have an Advocate, in the Holy Spirit, and He will give us the strength we need to remain faithful to Jesus>

Have you run into some challenges?  Talk to God and ask Him for help, don’t give up and know, that God cares for you and you are not alone!

“‘Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.‘” v.5

This is a powerful passage and just reading the verse at the top doesn’t give it complete justice.  Jesus is once again teaching about the importance of being connected with Him.  Meaning:

• You believe that He is God’s Son
• You receive Him as Savior and Lord
• You obey what God says
• You continue to learn and believe the Good News
• You love God and others

Many people try to be good, honest people who do what is right.  But Jesus says that the only way to live a truly good life is to stay close to him, like a branch attached to the vine.  Apart from Christ our efforts are unfruitful.  Are you receiving the nourishment and life offered by Christ, the vine?  If not, you are missing a special gift he has for you.

“‘If you love me, obey^[a] my commandments.‘” v. 15

Love – it’s a word today that we throw around carelessly.  It’s really become something that is easy to say, without showing it with our actions.  Jesus hits on this also.  It is easy to say we love God, but do our actions reveal this.  I am not saying that you have to be perfect, I don’t think that is what Jesus is saying here either, but he does mention the word love several times in this passage followed by the word Obey.  When we love someone, we show that love for them with actions.  Jesus showed us how much he loved us by dying on a cross to forgive us of sin.  How am I revealing my love for Him?

When we step out in faith, believing that Gods Word is true and Jesus came to rescue us from sin, that’s the first step toward a loving relationship with God.  We can’t do this on our own, we will fail!!! This is why Jesus is teaching about the Holy Spirit.

In this passage Jesus also promises the Holy Spirit who will be an advocate on our behalf to God.  The Holy Spirit has and important and active role in the salvation and life of all that will be sensitive to God. Here are some truths about The Holy Spirit:

• He will never leave us (14:16)
• The world at large cannot receive Him (14:17)
• He lives with us and in us (14:17)
• He teaches us (14:26)
• He reminds us of Jesus Words (14:26)
• He convinces us of sin, shows God’s righteousness, and announces God’s judgment on evil (16:8)
• He guides us into truth and gives us insight on future events (16:13)
• He brings glory to Christ (16:14)

The Holy Spirit has been active since the beginning, but after Jesus death, burial, and resurrection, the Holy Spirit is here to work in the lives of all people, pointing them to the Father.

Today, will you ask the Holy Spirit to give you what ever you need to love God not just with words, but with obedience?

“Now Jesus was deeply troubled,^[a] and he exclaimed, ‘I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!’” v. 21

Being betrayed is difficult and comes in many forms.  It was hard for Jesus to deal with also.  The Greek here says that Jesus was troubled in his spirit.  This whole chapter shows Jesus human side with grieving for Lazarus and now being hurt by one of his disciples.  Sometimes the people who are closest to us hurt us the most.  But the way we respond to this is what is important.  Yes, it is hard and hurtful, but how can God use it to bring glory to His name.  Jesus knew this had to happen, and for the process of his Crucifixion to take place.  He knew that the pain he was going through right now would soon turn into the salvation of those who believed in Him and repented from sin.

Not that we bring salvation to others, but the way we react to hurtful situations says a lot about us and provides an opportunity for us to seek God’s strength during the hurtful time.  When we let God take control, He provides the comfort we need to get though the toughest of situations and allows us to let others see God in us.  Easy to say . . . Hard to do.  Father help me be better at this!