Another Comforter

March 8, 2015 Background Scripture: John 14:15 – 26 Lesson Passage: John 14:15 – 26 John 14 is a classic example of “bad news” and “good news” all in one conversation. Thankfully, the conversation starts with the bad news and continuously expounds on the good news in spite of the bad news. The bad news was that Jesus was about to leave the earth. After three and a half years of miracles and unparalleled teaching, Jesus’ assignment had come to an end. The “twelve” had left their occupations and families to travel the Galilean and Judean regions declaring the dawn of a new day in Judaism. Some had questioned Jesus about future positions in his kingdom and others wondered aloud if they had given up too much in exchange for promises. But for three and a half years they stuck it out. They were forewarned that Jesus would not be with them always but somehow it did not come across that that day was so imminent. However, that day was now upon them and the news of it must have sent emotional shock waves through them. For three years Jesus had supplied all of their needs. When they hungered, he fed them. When relatives and friends became ill, he healed them. When the religious authority accosted them, Jesus defended them and rebuffed the “so-called” experts of the law and religion in Judea. Even with the warnings, the time of Jesus’ departure arrived like a thief in the night. Some seemed speechless and others asked probing questions and perhaps others were too numb to react to the news: Jesus was leaving them. After all of their personal sacrifices, what did it all mean? Then the good news came. Jesus would not leave them alone. Jesus would send them another Helper to come along side of them. This “new” Helper would reveal even more to them than what they had already received from Jesus. In fact, He would remind them of what Jesus had taught them over the past three years. This Comforter would appear to be more available than Jesus was. While Jesus was on the mountain top with Peter, James, and John, the other nine disciples were in the valley getting berated by an irate father with a demon possessed son. This Comforter, however, could be in all places at the same time so there was no need for anyone to feel neglected or left out. But the world would not know that he was present. Only those to whom he was assigned would be aware of his presence. Furthermore, he would never leave them but rather stay with them forever. Although he would always testify of Jesus even as Jesus had always testified of his Father, this “new” Helper would appear to be more present and just as powerful. Whatever they needed, he would be right there to comfort them. If anything could take away the sadness of hearing of Jesus’ imminent departure, the coming of the Comforter would be that encouragement. Now their sadness was turned into anticipation. There was a bright side coming and the Comforter was going to usher it in. Robert C. Hudson February 19, 2015