Do you work from a “to-do” list? Do you ever finish your “to-do” list? If so, how does it feel when you finally complete it?  Jesus had a “to-do” list that resulted from a plan God had in place when Adam and Eve sinned in Genesis 1-2. The Explore the Bible Study: It Is Finished, examines the final things that needed to be “checked-off” of Jesus’ “to-do” list so that man might have the opportunity, once again, to have a restored relationship with Holy God. 

Previously, Jesus had stood before Jewish high priests, Pilate, and then Herod. He had been betrayed, denied, accused, mocked, and beaten. After this, John 19:16 simply tells us, “They took Jesus away.”  That simple statement envelops the scene of a bloodied man as He carried His cross toward Golgotha, the Place of the Skull. Yet none of this was by accident. 

As we look at Jesus’ “to-do” list, remember that, since before time, Jesus had His list prepared. He emphatically, simply and systematically, yet painfully worked through it to bring the hope of salvation to a lost world. The first of the final items on this “to-do” list was to bear the pain of the cross.

Bear the Cross—John 19:17-24

Jesus went out from the place where He had been sentenced and tortured. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John did not describe how the soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene to take up Jesus’ cross. Eventually, Jesus arrived at the Place of the Skull. Named Golgotha in the Aramaic language, this hill stood outside Jerusalem. Three short words, “They crucified him,” cannot convey the cruelty of this horrific form of execution.

Read Isaiah 53:1-9 and Psalm 22 and identify the prophetic plans that were fulfilled as Jesus bore the cross for you.

When you consider all that was involved in Jesus bearing a cross that was meant for you, how should you respond? What are one or two words that describe how you feel regarding what Jesus did?

Bearing the cross was a part of God’s redemptive plan. This was no afterthought. Although Roman soldiers conducted the execution at the request of Jewish authorities, God had a plan that had to be executed because of our sins. Jesus bore the cross for your sins and mine. Yet, behind it all, God was working out His plan for His glory (Acts 2:23). The next thing on Jesus’ “to-do” list was to take care of His family.

Take Care of Your Family—John 19:25-27

No one can imagine the pain and suffering Mary was experiencing as she watched her firstborn hanging on that cross. Perhaps she did recall the prophecy of Simeon shortly after Jesus’ birth. This elderly man named Simeon told Mary that a sword would pierce her heart (Luke 2:35). This was fulfilled as Jesus’ mother and her companions were standing by the cross. 

Jesus, in pain and near death, did not stop caring for others. He saw His mother standing there and knew she would need someone after He died. From the cross, His agony did not diminish His concern for her. Although He knew He would rise in three days, Jesus wanted to provide for Mary for the long term. He had several half-siblings who could have taken care of their mother, but they had not come with Mary. In addition, at this point, they did not believe He was the Messiah (John 7:5). So, He made another arrangement. Jesus left no loose ends as He provided for His mother.

How does Jesus’ love for His mother help us understand more fully the following verses: Luke 14:26-27, Mark 7:9-13, and 1 Timothy 5:8? How does one honor his father and mother while following Christ?

John did not attempt to record all that occurred during the crucifixion, but he does tell us that Jesus finished the work given Him. He completed the sacrificial atonement necessary for our salvation. Jesus finished everything the Father had set out for Him to do. He omitted nothing and fulfilled every Scripture. From the messianic prophecies of Psalm 22 to Isaiah’s words about the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), the Scriptures about Jesus’ death were completed. His “to-do” list was completed for this part of God’s plan.

Another "To-Do" List

Now Jesus focused on another “to-do” list. That list included:

• His resurrection and his ongoing intercession before the Father – “Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.” (Romans 8:34)
• Sending the Holy Spirit – “It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)
• His return! – “If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” (Luke 14:3)

Jesus is constantly at work, moving to accomplish God’s plans. We, as believers, are to join Him in that work. What are some actions God expects us to have on our “to-do” lists as followers of Christ? How are you doing at accomplishing the list of “to-do’s” God has given you?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

The accusation and conviction of innocent people isn’t anything new. While our justice system is designed to convict the guilty and protect the innocent, it isn’t perfect. However, courts and justice systems in other countries and throughout history are sometimes designed for other motives. Determining guilt or innocence is not the goal, but the goal is to protect cultural or personal agendas or to elevate one’s own personal reputation or standing in society. This was the case for Jesus as you will discover in the Explore the Bible Study: I Find No Fault. 

Jesus was brought to trial on that dreadful day leading up to His crucifixion. By torchlight, an armed mob seized and bound Jesus and brought Him  to Annas, a former high priest, who retained a significant amount of power. Jesus was falsely accused, cruelly treated, and the sent to Caiaphas for more interrogation. The subsequent hearings violated lawful procedures, but justice and truth were not the goal. There was an agenda in play intended to destroy Jesus and protect the powers of religious and political leaders. 

Because the Jewish leadership could only go so far with their hearings, they knew they had to move Jesus to another venue so their agenda could be complete. The Jewish leaders took Jesus to the Roman governor, Pilate, who refused initially to hear the case. Finally, Pilate agreed to question Jesus. It’s at this point that we will examine in John 18:28-40 the events surrounding the ongoing trial of Jesus. As we examine this, we will see how people will reveal their hypocrisy when accusing Jesus. We will see the dilemma Jesus’ innocence presents to those who try to seek the truth. And we will see the callous response from people who choose to reject Jesus. Perhaps, through Jesus’ experience, we can learn something about how people might view us as we strive to live for Christ.

People will reveal their hypocrisy when accusing Jesus – John 18:28-32

We all know that wicked people often find someone else to do their dirty work. This was certainly the case with those who brought Jesus to Pilate. These were religious leaders and followers, yet their own actions revealed an empty and hypocritical heart. Not only had they previously mocked and mistreated Jesus which violated all that was moral about Judaism,  but now they wanted someone else to do what they wanted to do but couldn’t—kill Jesus.

This crowd of soldiers, temple guards, and religious officials marched Jesus through the streets of Jerusalem in the early morning hours, most likely just after dawn. Even though they had murder in their hearts their hypocrisy is revealed:

1. They wouldn’t enter the main building because they would be defiled, yet they had already defiled themselves in the way that they treated an innocent man. The leaders’ hypocrisy was exposed, as they cared more about contact with a Gentile than about falsely accusing Jesus and demanding His death.
2. They didn’t give an honest answer to Pilate about the charges against Jesus because they had none that were legitimate. They misled Pilate by leading him to assume Jesus was guilty of crimes against the Roman government or they wouldn’t have brought Him before Pilate.
3. Finally, they wanted Pilate to do their dirty work of killing Jesus. They had already conspired in their hearts to kill Jesus but apparently, they didn’t view this as a sin. 

John reminds us in verse 32 that, “They said this so that Jesus’ words might be fulfilled indicating what kind of death he was going to die.” While we see the hypocrisy of the crowd and the seemingly hopelessness of Jesus’ situation, God was still in control. Jesus was on mission to fulfill God’s plan and His words regarding His death were going to play out exactly as He had foretold, revealing that Jesus truly is who He says He is. The fulfillment of Jesus’ words when He would die on a cross would reveal that God was in perfect control, even in the death of His Son.

Today our culture uses words such as tolerance, love, choice, and even truth. What are some examples of ways in which Christians might be accused falsely that reveal the hypocrisy of culture as it relates to these words?

When we honor Christ by lovingly living our faith in a hostile world that continues to try to destroy Jesus, we will be accused and people will seek to silence us. It is during those times that we can’t forget that God is still in control! When this takes place in our lives, we might encounter what Jesus encountered when He came before Pilate. It is the dilemma Jesus’ innocence presented to those who try to seek the truth.

The dilemma Jesus’ innocence presents to those seeking truth – John 18:33-38a

What do you think was the dilemma for Pilate in this situation? What can we learn from how Jesus presented the truth without compromising or denying who He was?

Imagine Pilate looking at this man called Jesus. He has been beaten, mistreated, accused, and now this shell of a man stands before Pilate for more interrogation. Pilate directly asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Commentators note an emphasis on the word you. Given Jesus’ condition at the hands of the Jewish leaders, Pilate found it incredible that this man could claim to be royalty. 

Notice how Jesus responds. His questions to Pilate were meant to challenge Pilate’s thinking about the nature of the charges against Him. Pilate had a dilemma on his hands. He wanted to get to the truth about Jesus because the Roman authorities had little concern for the internal grievances and petty squabbles among the Jews. The governor needed to find the truth so that he could rule. Jesus’ response revealed to Pilate that He and his followers were not a threat to the Roman government because His “kingdom was not of this world.” If it was, then His followers would fight for Him.  The fact that He was standing in bonds before Pilate testified to the truth that He was not an earthly king. 

Jesus acknowledged He was born to reign as a king. He went further to reiterate the kind of king He came to be. He came to testify to the truth. Obviously, Jesus’ ultimate purpose was the salvation of human beings, but that involved revealing the truth about sinful people, a righteous God, the necessity of repentance, the primacy of faith, and salvation through His sacrificial atonement.

Do you struggle with knowing what is truth and what isn’t? Is it getting harder or easier to discern truth from fiction in our world?

Pilate asked, “What is truth?” This is a question that is asked daily all around this world. Life is a search for truth. In Pilate’s case, his experience with the political and religious intrigues in Rome and in Jerusalem had hardened him to assertions of truth. He may have considered philosophical aspects of the question, but more likely his question expressed cynical bewilderment. 

How can we reveal the Truth in a world that is asking, “What is truth?” 

You will discover next that, when people are determined to define their own truth that excludes the Truth of Jesus and the Scriptures, their hearts will become so hardened that they will do unimaginable things in order to have their own way with their "own truth."

Those who reject Jesus have callous hearts – John 18:38b-40

Pilate had heard enough. He found no grounds for charging Jesus. He concluded that Jesus’ kingdom was no threat to Caesar politically or militarily. In truth, Pilate found no basis even to charge Jesus, much less convict Him, but this wasn’t the outcome the Jews desired. Their hearts were so calloused toward Jesus and the Truth of the Scriptures that they chose a murderous rebel over Jesus.

What do people today say they want instead of Jesus? How would our culture complete this phrase today? —“Don’t give us Jesus; give us _________________________.”

 We are guilty but declared innocent

Jesus was innocent, yet he was found guilty, not by Pilate but by those who callously chose their own agendas, desires, and preferences over those presented by Jesus Christ. They chose a murderer so that they might murder the Savior. This situation can lead us to feel as if life wasn’t fair for Jesus, yet we know that Jesus went through all this so that those who receive Christ could be proclaimed innocent before another judge, God Himself. Romans 8:1 reminds believers of their innocence: “Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

How should knowing that you, if you are a believer, are proclaimed innocent impact the way you live for Christ daily?

How can knowing this help you when you observe the hypocrisy of those who falsely accuse followers of Christ?

How can knowing this help you when someone seeks the truth from you about Christ?

How can knowing this help you as you observe the callousness of those who openly and defiantly reject Christ and His followers?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

If someone asked you to identify yourself, what would you use to convince them you were who you said you were? The Explore the Bible Study: I Am He, will reveal from John 18 a man, the Son of God, who did not deny who He was. In both words and deeds, it was obvious that He was Jesus, the Messiah. As we examine the way Jesus identified Himself, we should consider whether our words and deeds identify us as true followers of Jesus.

Jesus’ Habits Reveal Who He Is—John 18:1-3

Jesus has just spent time with His disciples during the Passover feast. He had instituted the Lord’s Supper and given His farewell discourse including the prayer for His disciples. This lasted into the evening and now, after saying “these things,” it was time to travel across the Kidron Valley to the garden of Gethsemane.

The valley ran north to south on the east side of Jerusalem. It lay between the temple and the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12).

Other passages in the Bible reveal more about the garden and about the habits of Jesus.

• First, based on this passage we see that this garden was a regular place for Jesus to spend time with His followers. This reveals Jesus’ habit of building relationships, teaching, and encouraging His followers. Judas knew this; thus, it also became a place for betrayal.
• Second, we know this as a place of prayer. Matthew 26:41 tells us that “Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he told the disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’” At this specific time, Jesus’ prayer was agonizing as He sought strength from the Father to face what He knew would come as He left the garden.

The habits of Jesus revealed His identity because it was through these habits that we know how much He loved His followers and how much He passionately desired to follow God’s will. 

What habits might reveal to others that someone is a follower of Christ?

Matthew tells us that, after praying a third time regarding what was about to happen, Jesus says to His disciples, “See, the time is near. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up; let’s go. See, my betrayer is near.” (Matthew 26:45-46) Because Judas, the betrayer, knew the habits of Jesus, he was ready as Jesus left the garden. He arrived with a company of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees.” They came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.  

The term company could refer to a number between 200-600 soldiers in the Roman army. Between the forces arrayed against Jesus and the religious leaders, one would think that a major battle was about to take place! This is certainly an overwhelming group compared to Him and eleven disciples. 

Which of the words Jesus spoke in this passage help you understand more fully the identity of Christ? What can believers learn from the way Jesus spoke to His accusers?

Not only did Jesus’ habits and His words reveal His identify, but His actions also reveal who He is.

Jesus' Actions Reveal Who He Is—John 18:10-11

What do the actions of Simon Peter reveal?

What do the actions of Jesus reveal? Why didn’t Jesus let Simon Peter defend Him?

Are believers today acting more like Simon Peter or like Jesus?

Examine more of the actions of Jesus by reading the accounts of this event from Matthew and Luke. This will help you understand more fully the actions of Jesus as the Son of God. Place your cursor over the following passages or look them up in your own Bible: Matthew 26:51-54; Luke 22:50-51.

Jesus stopped Peter’s attack and healed Malchus’ ear (Luke 22:51). If Jesus had not intervened, the soldiers probably would have responded with deadly force or at least by seizing Peter and the other disciples. Jesus did not come to start a war. He came to drink the cup of His Father to suffer and die for the world’s sins. Simon Peter thought he could take on an entire Roman company and the religious leaders. In so doing, he could have thwarted God’s salvation plan, and Jesus wasn’t going to let that happen.

Believers can obediently involve themselves in God’s redemptive plan. However, if we attempt to bring about God’s plans through our own means, we risk missing out on seeing God work in ways that only He could work.

Your Life -- A False Identify or a Real Identity?

In 2022 a man was arrested in Scotland but denied he was the one who committed the crimes. According to BBC.com the Scottish court has ruled that the man arrested is US fugitive Nicholas Rossi. The man had claimed to have been the victim of mistaken identity, and insisted his name was Arthur Knight. But Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that his tattoos and fingerprints matched those of Rossi. Authorities in the US are seeking Rossi's extradition over allegations of rape and sexual assault. It is alleged that he faked his own death and fled to Scotland to escape prosecution. He had spent the past year insisting that he was Arthur Knight, an orphan from Ireland who had never been to the US. (Source: BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-63568949)

People who are fleeing prosecution for a crime often change their identity and go to great lengths to hide who they really are. However, when one is innocent, there is no need to hide your identity. Additionally, your identity will be verified by your actions. This certainly was the case for Jesus. He had committed no crime and had no reason to deny His identity on the day of His arrest. Yet, from our human perspective, it might have been tempting to deny He was who He said He was when the soldiers came to arrest Him.

Jesus’ identity as the Son of God was revealed by His: Habits, Words, and Actions.

What kind of habits would reveal you are a follower of Christ?

What kind of words would reveal you are a follower of Christ?

What kind of actions would reveal you are a follower of Christ?

Consider your own life. How would others verify your identity as a professing follower of Christ?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

When a powdered drink mix is added to a bottle of water, it doesn’t quit being water, but it is transformed into something different and is used for a different purpose. When individuals receive Christ, His Spirit comes into them and transforms them and gives them a different purpose. But this transformation is not just for our own personal experience, but we are to, in turn, seek to transform our culture. Jesus prays for this kind of transformation as we will see in the Explore the Bible Study: I Pray.

We are “mixed” into a culture that needs to become new in Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. This is why believers are left to live in this world after they make a commitment to follow Christ. We are transformed, and we are to seek to transform others through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. But this isn’t an easy task. Jesus knew this and this is why, in John 17, He prays for His current and all future disciples.

John 17 also places Jesus approximately 48 hours away from death. He has spoken so much to His disciples, yet there was so much more He could have said. They have been told He is leaving, the Holy Spirit is coming, and they will face difficulties. They have taken in so much information.  Fortunately, He promised them that Holy Spirit would help them understand things more fully. But now, He turns His attention to offering up a prayer to the Father on their behalf.

Jesus first prays for Himself in John 17:1-5. He asked the Father to glorify Him so He would glorify the Father. Jesus wanted His coming crucifixion and resurrection to reveal God’s redemptive character marked by love and grace. Jesus also asked that His death and resurrection give undeniable evidence He was God’s Sent One.

Then, beginning in John 17:6, Jesus turns His attention to praying for His disciples. He says this to His Father regarding the disciples in John 17:6-8: 

“I have revealed your name to the people you gave me from the world. They were yours, you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you, because I have given them the words you gave me. They have received them and have known for certain that I came from you. They have believed that you sent me."

As Jesus continues to pray, we will see His desire and concern for all who are transformed by Christ, especially as they seek to transform the world in which they live. Jesus makes specific requests regarding what all disciples will face as they live these transformed lives. 

Just like the specific ingredients in powdered drink mixes that transform the water, there are specific ways in which Jesus transforms us. Jesus’ continued prayer reveals the ingredients that must be present in one who is in an authentic relationship with Christ.

Imagine your life is like that bottle of water. Read John 17:9-26 and consider what Jesus desires to “pour into you” so that you will be transformed. Prepare a list of things Jesus prayed to be “mixed” into the lives of believers so that they could be transformed and so that others might be transformed.

There are three broad areas in which Jesus focused His prayer – Protection, Sanctification, and Unity.

PROTECTION

In what ways did Jesus pray for His disciples' protection? What did the disciples (do we as believers) need protection from, based on this passage and from our own personal experiences?

How did Jesus ask God to protect them?

There are multiples dangers the early believers and we face. Jesus points out some of those dangers when He prays that they avoid dissension among themselves, dangerous circumstances, and the demonic influences from the “evil one.” Notice that He prayed they would be protected by the name that God had given Jesus. Jesus was referring to God’s power with this statement. He and the Father were one and God Almighty could protect them from anything. This was demonstrated in how Jesus’ disciples were protected while He was with them except for Judas because he was really not a true disciple as Jesus pointed out during the Passover meal.

How can Jesus' words help you feel protected, knowing all the dangers you face in the world today?

Jesus also prayed for them to be sanctified.

SANCTIFICATION

The Word reveals the mind of God. As you read the Word, you are led to set yourself apart for a particular ministry and for holy living. We can serve Him only as we know His Word and are obedient to it. 

2 Timothy 3:16 describes how the Word of truth sanctifies us: “All Scripture is inspired by God[a] and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Through its teaching, the Word shows us how to live and what to believe. By rebuking us, God, through His Word, charges us to “get back on the right path.” In correcting us, the Word shows us where we have sinned and missed the mark. Then the Word trains us for righteousness—it teaches us how not to fail in the same way again but to prosper in godliness. The goal is so that we may be complete (sanctified) and equipped for good works while in this world.

The disciples were not of the world because Jesus was not of the world. Even so, He sent them into the world. Their mission was not to embrace worldly lifestyles or values, but to share the transforming gospel of Christ. Jesus was sending them in the same manner as the Father had sent Him into the world. 

What kind of challenges do you face as you try to live in the world but not be a part of this world? What can believers count on if they choose to live by God’s Word?

Living in the world while not becoming like the world is difficult. When we strive to live according to standards and principles given in God’s Word, we may face criticism, be accused of many things, be looked down upon, be shunned, be fired from jobs, and so much more. This is why Jesus prayed not only for them to be sanctified but that they would be protected as their lives were transformed.

This leads to the final ingredient needed in a transformed life: Unity.

UNITY

Think about the group you attend at church or others you know at your church. Did they all grow up in the community? What brought them to the church? What kind of job do they have? What hobbies do they enjoy? Does anyone in this group act or think exactly the same way?

This is the amazing miracle of Christ’s transforming power! People who are totally different from one another can be made completely one through the indwelling Christ. The word "completely" does not mean believers are united in every way. It simply reflects a fulfillment of purpose. We are unified through our relationship with God in Christ, as we surrender personal agendas to His greater mission of salvation. 

Jesus repeated the goal of Christian unity: that the world may know Him and experience His love and salvation. Through our loving relationships, we testify that Jesus is God’s Son. Believers receive the testimony that God loves us with the same perfect love He has for the Son. 

Is unity easier or harder today? 

If you don’t seek to be unified, what could this say about your personal relationship with Christ?

Considering your own life, the way you live, and the choices you make—How does your life reflect the oneness Jesus prayed for?

Are you willing to set aside those things that create disunity so your unity will reveal Christ and His love for the lost world?

Jesus was Praying for You!

Notice that Jesus was not just thinking about those early disciples as He prayed but was thinking about future believers. He was praying for us too! If we are saved, we are among those who believe in Christ through their word. Jesus looked down through the centuries and saw multitudes of people who would read the Scriptures, hear the apostles’ testimony about Jesus, and believe in Him. Jesus interceded for us that night, and He continues to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). He wants us to experience the same spiritual blessings that He voiced for the apostles.

Consider how you should respond to Jesus’ prayer? 

What do you need to do so that you can understand more fully what it means to be protected by God?

In what ways does your life demonstrate that you are continuing to be sanctified by the transforming power of God’s Word?

Do your attitude and actions toward other believers demonstrate a unity that proclaims the gospel to a lost world?

Consider what has to take place after you pour powdered drink mix into a bottle of water.  When you add powdered drink mix to a bottle of water, you have to shake it up. If you wait too long, the powder can settle to the bottom, and you have to shake it up again. Perhaps you were shaken up as you considered Jesus’ prayer today. Hopefully what you learned and considered will lead you to continue to live under the protection of Jesus’ through living a sanctified life that is demonstrated by the unity we have as believers.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources. 

Have you ever had someone stand by or walk alongside you when you needed help? How did this experience strengthen your relationship with him/her? How did it help you deal with the circumstances you were facing? The Explore the Bible Study: When the Spirit Comes focuses on Jesus speaking once again to His disciples regarding the One whom He would send to stand by them as they testified of Him after He was gone.

In John 15 Jesus continues to prepare His disciples for what was to come after His death. Jesus returns to His conversation He had previously started in chapter 14 regarding the work of the Holy Spirit. He reminds them in John 15:26 that “When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father —the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about me.”  

The “Counselor” is the Greek noun Paraclete [PAR uh kleet] literally referring to someone who is “called alongside” to render help. The Spirit is a Person not a “force.” He is called alongside of and dwells within all who believe! He is sent by Jesus from the Father. Again, we see the perfect harmony demonstrated in the Trinity. The Holy Spirit works in concert with the Father and the Son so that the lost can believe, and so that believers can understand, act on, and proclaim the truth revealed in God’s Word.

What was true then is true now. The Spirit is at work in your life if you are a believer.  

First, the Holy Spirit is standing beside you . . . 

When Your Testimony Meets Hostility – John 15:27—John 16:4 

When Jesus explained to the disciples, in verse 27, that the coming of the Holy Spirit would lead them to “testify, because you have been with me from the beginning” the disciples still had no idea what was to come in those next few hours and days. But Jesus knew someone would be there to stand by them and work in and through them after He was gone. Burdened with all that was taking place, He wanted to help them know that His leaving wasn’t an ending but a beginning!

Although verse 27 speaks specifically of the 11 faithful disciples who had been with Him from the beginning, there are specific actions and reactions that will take place when they and we testify about Christ.

Notice the ways Jesus said people will react to the message of the disciples. 

What are the parallels to what we see taking place today in our country? 

What was the response Jesus desired for them to have when this took place?

When we face criticism and other challenges when testifying about Christ, what are we to remember, and how do we know to remember it?

Have you ever experienced hostility as a result of telling someone about Jesus? How does knowing we have the “Counselor” standing beside us help us face difficulties when testifying?

While we may face more scrutiny, cynicism, and opposition today in our country than in any other point in history, we are still fortunate compared to what other believers face around the world. Yet it seems we are more silent about our faith than we should be. We must ask ourselves if we truly believe what Jesus said regarding the Holy Spirit. However, it doesn’t matter if we believe it or not; it is truth. Our silence really reveals what we truly believe about the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us and in those who are lost to bring about salvation. 

Do you truly believe that the Holy Spirit is standing beside us as we live out and testify about our faith? Do your actions reinforce your beliefs? What do you need to do to adjust your belief to the reality that Jesus is teaching?

Next, we see that the Spirit is standing beside you . . . 

When Sorrow Fills Your Heart – John 16:5-7

Notice that sorrow filled the hearts of the disciples, yet none of them asked for clarity regarding where Jesus was going.

Why didn’t they ask for clarity from Jesus while experiencing sorrow?

Knowing what we know about the Holy Spirit and Jesus, how can we react to sorrow differently?

How can we deal with sorrow when we feel as if Jesus is not present with us?

What can we assume about Jesus’ presence in our lives, based on these passages?

We understand that the primary ministry of the Holy Spirit would be directed toward believers. However, the Spirit would be crucial in the church’s mission to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus affirmed that they would witness in the power of the Spirit, but they lacked the power to bring human hearts to conversion. It is only the Holy Spirit who can convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment.  The word convict means the Holy Spirit reveals the truth in a way that makes one morally accountable for their sins. This conviction exposes the reality of a person’s heart—their attitudes and intentions, as well as actions. 

It is through conviction that God’s offer of salvation through repentance is truly revealed. If someone doesn’t believe they are a sinner and that their sin results in eternal separation from God, then they have no need for a Savior. The Holy Spirit’s conviction forces us to see ourselves in the mirror of God’s righteousness. Then, we can turn from sin and embrace the Savior. 

What happens when we take responsibility for convicting the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment?

When we fill like a failure or are afraid to share Christ with someone, what is the reality we must believe based on these passages?

Believers must depend on the Holy Spirit to convict others about sin. While we should learn ways to share the gospel, we must remember that a polished presentation is not the answer. Nor can we yell, scream, or legislate people to experience conviction for sin, righteousness, or judgement. Only the Spirit can convict people of their sin, their desperate need for a Savior, and that they will one day stand in judgement before a Holy God who can’t look upon sin. Yet we will and should do what Jesus said the early disciples would do. We should “testify” about Him through the empowering of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, the Spirit is standing beside you . . .

When More Understanding Is Needed – John 16:12-15

What is the assurance we can have, based upon this passage, when we struggle with understanding the Word of God or God’s ways?

How would you paraphrase the personal approach the Holy Spirit will take in teaching us His truth?

What can we assume about God’s Word based on these passages?

Jesus had so much more to share but time and comprehension was limited. The Spirit revealed truth by inspiring holy men of old to write down God’s Word, the Scriptures (see 2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Peter 1:20-21). The revelation of Scripture would be limited to the human writers God selected and inspired. The Spirit’s work of interpreting and illuminating the Scriptures is His ministry to all believers. Because the Spirit lives in believers, He assists them in understanding and applying spiritual things (see 1 Corinthians 2:14).

Can you recall a time when the Holy Spirit guided you into a deeper understanding of God’s Word? What were the results of that understanding in your devotion to Christ? 

We know the Holy Spirit will teach us God’s truth. We also know this doesn’t take place without a concerted effort on our part to study God’s Word so that the Spirit can help us understand. Consider how you can make personal Bible study a higher priority. Consider removing distractions while you are studying God’s Word so you can give the Holy Spirit your full attention as He speaks and works through God’s Word. We have the assurance that God’s Spirit will declare, reveal, and illuminate everything we need to know Christ and to serve Him faithfully.

The Holy Spirit and You

The Holy Spirit is there, standing alongside of you and dwelling in you . . . 

• When your testimony meets hostility.
• When sorrow fills your heart.
• When you share Christ with others.
• When more understanding is needed.

Evaluate if you are truly depending on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Can the world see the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in your life in the way that your respond to life and in the way you live?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. 

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LifeWay Explore The Bible Resources

These teaching helps are intended to be used as a supplement to your study of Lifeway's Explore the Bible curriculum resources. Portions of this material are taken directly from content copyrighted to Lifeway Christian Resources Explore the Bible and is used with permission.  This material has not been reviewed by Lifeway Christian Resources.