10. Sender of the Helper John 16:1-15 p. 996

Opposition Fr Jacques Hamel (30 November 1930 – 26 July 2016)

BBC Report, journalist Hugh Schofield: Opposition . . . BBC Report, journalist Hugh Schofield: “Most French people will argue that these values - tolerance, respect between peoples, forgiveness, eschewal of violence - are part of the country's enlightened secular tradition. … But of course before that they were something else. They were Christian.” Jesus’ concern: enticed/intimidated to “fall away” (v 1)

1. Big Crisis – Jesus is going away Jesus has borne the brunt of opposition & persecution. Soon the scorn of the world will fall on them Christian voice is marginalized and vilified. Rejection will fall on God’s representatives on earth. (us)

2. Big Relief – Another will come Jesus has already spoken of the Spirit three times: 14:15-17; 14:25-26; 15:26-27 Called him the “Paraklatos” – advocate, helper Someone who comes alongside to assist, encourage, represent, speak for, … He will come from/ be sent from the Father through Jesus.

2. Big Relief – Another will come . . . The purposes for his coming: 14:17 - “he dwells with you and will be in you” 14:26 - “He will teach you” and help you remember 15:26 - “He will bear witness about me [Jesus]” v 8 - “he will convict the world …” v 13 - “He will guide you into all truth” v 14 - “He will glorify me” v 14 - “He will take what is mine and declare it to you”

2. Big Relief – Another will come . . . Our Life in Christ is only “In Christ” if it is “in the Spirit” Only one role for those outside of Christ – Convict! Concerning sin – spiritual blindness has to be overcome Concerning righteousness – distorted, radical correction Concerning judgment – Satan judged and defeated.

At the very moment that the world and all the principalities and powers think that they have won the decisive victory they are actually suffering their greatest defeat

3. Big Surprise – He will not do his own thing Lit: “he will not speak from himself” (v 13) Jesus said the same thing (John 5:19) “The Son can do nothing of his own accord …” Jesus, the Spirit & the Father function in perfect unity.

3. Big Surprise – He will not do his own thing . . . Our transformation – be like Jesus and the Spirit: not functioning from ourselves. We enter into the unity and intimacy of the Trinity. This is the Christian life!

Living It Jesus was resolute in pursuing the Father’s will. Not out of obligation; out of relationship Intimacy with the Father was the foundation of his life. We are not – and cannot – be alone The Christian life is lived in the Holy Spirit. Jesus was confident that the Spirit would come.

The Spirit does not function “from himself” Living It . . . The Spirit does not function “from himself” We too, cannot act from ourselves. Victory – living our lives out of the Spirit dwelling in us.