Easter · Fifth Sunday of Easter · Year C
John 16:12-22
The Work of the Holy Spirit
May 14, 2028
Overview & Insights
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13)
The second farewell discourse runs most closely parallel to the first precisely where it is most properly a “farewell” (i.e., where it addresses directly the question of Jesus’ impending departure; cf. 13:33). Here, inevitably, is also where the differences between the two discourses become most noticeable. Whereas the first discourse was largely structured around a series of questions by various disciples, here the question-and-answer method seems to be consciously abandoned. The earlier discourse began with Peter’s “Lord, where are you going?” in 13:36, but here Jesus makes the specific statement that none of you asks me “Where are you going?” (v. 5b). The reference is not simply to questions but to the specific question that touched off the whole discourse comprising 13:36–14:31. It is as if Jesus shows awareness of 13:36 but makes a conscious effort to do things differently.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on John 16:12-15 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary reading of the Spirit's work in the opening verses of this reading, guiding the disciples into all truth.
John 16:12-15 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on Jesus holding back what the disciples cannot yet bear and the Spirit's future guidance.
John 16 Commentary: The Departing Jesus' Final Teaching Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse evangelical study of the whole farewell chapter, including the sorrow that turns to joy in verses 16 to 22.
John 16:12 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered verse by verse on the Spirit's coming and the little while sayings.
John 16 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep inductive digest with word studies on the Spirit of truth and the promised turn from grief to joy.
Background & Word Study
John 16:12 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for the Spirit's guidance and the labor pain image of verse 21.
Gospel of John Overview, Chapters 13-21 BibleProject
Animated overview video placing this passage within its book's structure.
John - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background course on John's authorship, purpose, and themes (background only).
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What is the work of the Holy Spirit?
Jesus promises that it is to their advantage that he go, for he will send the Helper, who will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment, and guide the disciples into all truth, glorifying Christ.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on John 16:12-22
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.