Thoughts on the Gospel of John (154) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
John 16:8–11

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (154)
The thought that their Master would leave them made the disciples sorrowful. Then the Lord explained to them that His return to heaven would not mean loss but rather gain for them, for in His place the Holy Spirit would come. Ten days after Jesus’ ascension, at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to earth. Since then, He has been dwelling in believers. And at the same time, He is a constant witness against the unbelieving world.

The Holy Spirit “convicts” the world. It does not mean that He would improve the world or bring all people to repentance. What is meant is that the presence of the Holy Spirit on earth brings to light the true character of the world.

Firstly, the state of the world in relation to sin is demonstrated “because they do not believe in Me”. God showed all His grace and love in His Son, Jesus Christ. Yet the world hated and crucified the Son of God. Because it did not believe in Him, He is no longer here. In His place, the Holy Spirit is now on earth. By His presence, therefore, the sin of the world is proven. Secondly, the world is convicted of righteousness because Jesus Christ has returned to God the Father. It is only right that He should have the highest place in glory because He lived a perfect and sinless life. And it is only right that the world, which saw Him and hated Him without cause, should not see Him now. Thirdly, the world is convicted of judgment. Jesus is in heaven and the Holy Spirit is here on earth – this proves that the devil is defeated. The judgment is not yet fulfilled, but it is certain.

Today’s reading: 1 Kings 18:1-16 · John 12:1-8