March begins a new quarter and a new unit of study. We’ve moved from the development and practice of spiritual disciplines to a doctrinal study titled the “Essentials of Christianity”. This first lesson will delve into the concept of the Trinity. God has revealed Himself to us through three persons. God is one however, He exists in three co-equal eternal persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Over the years I have heard many attempts to explain the Trinity. Whether it be described as an egg, an apple, a cloverleaf, or three states of matter no illustration our minds can come up with will ever fully explain the concept. To me faith must be part of the answer. Faith requires us to believe certain things we will never fully understand.
Even though we are in a new unit our text this week is the chapter previous to last week’s lesson about the true vine and the branches bearing fruit. The setting is the upper room. Jesus has washed the disciples’ feet and foretold of Peter’s denial. Chapter 14 begins with the often-referenced verses that Jesus has prepared a place with the Father and we will reside with Him there eternally. He qualifies this statement that the only way to the Father is through the Son (v. 6) because He and the Father are one. This leads us to Philip’s earnest request (v. 8) for Jesus to show His disciples the Father. Philip is seeking physical evidence that the Father does in fact exist. Jesus’ response in verse 9 seems to be more of disappointment than reprimand. Jesus restates the truth, which is recorded in the following verses for Philip, but we who are reading this today also benefit from His answer. Philip needed just one more bit of evidence to confirm his belief. Jesus again reminds them He had been with them and among them for three years of ministry. Jesus’ works, words, and ministry were evidence of the Father in Him. Knowing Jesus is knowing the Father. Jesus came to reveal the Father in person and purpose. Jesus stated His words were not solely His own, but they came from the Father. In verse 11 Jesus is asking them to exercise a little bit of faith. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is being “certain of what we do not see.” The disciples lacked the depth of faith to believe without seeing, but Jesus does offer more in that they can “believe because of the works themselves.”
In verses 16-20, Jesus continues to reassure the disciples that even though He must leave they will not be left alone. The Counselor (Holy Spirit) will come and will never leave them. The Greek term parakletos refers to one who will come alongside. The Spirit is our helper, advocate, comforter, and counselor. Note Jesus says they will be given “another Counselor.” The Spirit will assume much the same role that Jesus did. We also see that He is the Spirit of truth. The disciples can faithfully follow the direction of the Spirit who lives in them because He will not lead them to any form of error.
Jesus said he would not leave them as orphans. Some take this to mean the prediction of His second coming others take the position that this refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. A third possibility is that this refers to His resurrection from the grave. Reading verse 19, I think it is the latter. The non-believer cannot know the indwelling presence of God as we can. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection enable us to have and know eternal life now and hereafter. The resurrection of Christ would certainly be the most compelling evidence that the Father and Son are one. Even though Thomas doubted, the sight of the risen Savior should erase any question as to the connection. Accepting the connection between the first two Persons of the Trinity would allow the disciples to believe the Third Person would come as promised (BSFL Sr Adult Leader Guide, 22).
Verses 23-26 – We demonstrate our love for Jesus through our obedience to His commands. Love and obedience are inseparable. When we walk in obedience we are in fellowship with the Father and Son. Not that our relationship can be lost, but our disobedience will cause harm to the relationship. Recall last week’s lesson from John 15 we talked about remaining and abiding in Christ in order to bear fruit. Without that connected relationship we become barren. Our love and obedience nourish the relationship properly - allowing us to grow as maturing followers of Christ. In verse 24 Jesus stated the harsh truth that we demonstrate our lack of love when we live in disobedience. Those who refuse to obey have rejected God and His Word. They have exercised the freedom to choose their fate. Jesus closes the verse reaffirming that He is speaking with authority from the Father and they are in complete alignment in purpose and word.
In closing, Jesus shared that part of His earthly mission was to teach the disciples all they needed to know to continue His work after He left. He did so, but the work would also continue through the equipping and enabling of the Holy Spirit. In verse 26 we see the Holy Spirit would continue to teach them all things. He would also serve to remind them of everything they had previously learned. There is a lesson later in this unit on the work of the Holy Spirit but allow me to mention two thoughts now: 1) The Holy Spirit will illuminate our minds to truth enabling us to understand what the Bible tells us. In I Corinthians 2:14 Paul tells us that the person without the Spirit cannot accept or understand the truths of God because they are discerned through the Spirit. 2) Jesus spoke in John 16:13 that the Spirit will guide you into all truth.
This week we read quite a lot about the work of the Holy Spirit. Recall He comes alongside as a counselor, advocate, helper, and comforter to enable us to do more than we could ever do on our own.
Can you recall a situation where the Holy Spirit was at work in or through you?
· Possibly there was a time of trial or sadness. How did He help you get through that time?
· Maybe you were called to a task you knew you were totally inadequate to complete. How did the Holy Spirit equip you to overcome your doubts?
· Maybe you had a friend or family member in the middle of a difficult circumstance. How did the Holy Spirit provide you the wisdom to help them find an answer?
· Is there a portion of Scripture you never thought you could understand, but the Holy Spirit helped you wrestle with the truth and understand it more clearly?
