John 16 - ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible

16:4–15 With his departure in view—within hours, now—Jesus encourages the disciples about the future ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is the quintessential encourager. As did his apostles, we share great blessings through the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whom we received the moment we believed in Jesus (Rom. 8:9; Gal. 3:2).

The Spirit is the consummate Helper. He frees us from trying to live the Christian life in our own power. The gospel is not “do more and try harder”; rather, it is “see Jesus and surrender to the Spirit.”

How can we have confidence that the writings of the New Testament are inspired and trustworthy? Because the Holy Spirit reminded the apostles of Jesus’ words and teachings (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit constantly draws attention to Jesus—nestling the gospel into our hearts and applying the finished work of Jesus to our lives (Rom. 8:16). To see and enjoy grace is the supreme work of the Spirit, as he bears witness to the truth and comfort of God’s Word in our hearts.

16:16–24 The gospel frees us from the need to pose and pretend. Jesus anticipated the disciples’ sorrow, so he validated their forthcoming tears and lamenting. But he also promised the emergence of great joy—similar to the transformation of pain into joy when a mother gives birth to a child.

Years later, the apostle Paul used the same metaphor—of our world being “pregnant with glory”—to describe life in Christ (Rom. 8:18–25). Our salvation has been given to us, but its blessings are yet to be fully revealed. Life in the “already and not yet” is often filled with complexities, changes, and challenges similar to those experienced in pregnancy, but a full-term birth is guaranteed—for both God’s children and his cosmos.

16:25–33 Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for his “double leaving”—through death to the grave, and by ascension to the Father. Before his return, followers of Jesus should anticipate tribulation in this world, but the promise of overcoming stands, because Jesus is the overcomer par excellence. Indeed, the theme of living as an “overcomer” must be anchored in the gospel of grace. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11)—that is, by placing our faith in the finished work of Christ and our union with him (1 John 5:4–5, 11–12). Overcoming is not something we do for Jesus; it is something we do by Jesus.