16:6
This verse shows the true state of the disciples’ hearts. “But because I have said these things to you , sorrow has filled your heart”. Jesus knew what was going on in the minds and hearts of His disciples. Likewise, when we are troubled Jesus knows what is going on inside us. This sorrow was also misdirected, in fact totally unnecessary. For what was about to happen was all part of God’s plan, and was the best thing that could have possibly happened to them. Our sorrow is sometimes (not always!) a result of our failing to appreciate the wonder of God’s plans.
16:7
Jesus now tells them clearly that it was to their advantage that He was going away. If Jesus did not go then Helper (the Holy Spirit) would not be sent to them, But because He was going, the Holy Spirit would be sent to them. The Holy Spirit and His role in our lives is absolutely crucial. John’s gospel is the one that places the greatest focus on the Spirit. Also the teaching says nothing about the spiritual gifts. Now I absolutely believe in the spiritual gifts and that they are an essential part of the church’s life, and the individual’s life, but if we are to appreciate the Spirit properly then we need to be founded on the things that Jesus speaks about in these latter chapters of John’s gospel. When we do that the gifts will increase, but we must not make an idol out of them.
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