Gospel lesson for the week

John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

When speaking to his disciples before his death, Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as "the Helper" and described the difference the Spirit would make in the disciples lives and in the world.

Chapter 15

²⁶When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. ²⁷You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

Chapter 16

^4b "I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. ⁵But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' ⁶But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. ⁷Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹about sin, because they do not believe in me; ¹⁰about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; ¹¹about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. ¹²I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. ¹³When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. ¹⁴He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. ¹⁵All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

Gospel Reflection Questions 
 to share and discuss

1. In this text, Jesus says it is an “advantage” for him to “go away.”  What do you think Jesus meant when he said this?
   
   
2. How does the Holy Spirit (the “Advocate” in this text) help us in our daily lives?
   
   
3. Jesus “declares” that all that is His will be given to us – What are some of the gifts that you have received from God?
   
   

Prayer

Dear God, please let your Holy Spirit move in our lives so that we can find new ways to serve you in this world that you love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

This is Mt. Olive’s weekly online Bible Study for youth, adults and families. Each week we will reflect on the coming weekend’s Gospel text covered at our upcoming worship services. This is your opportunity to read the text, reflect on the questions, share and discuss with friends and family, and share a prayer.

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illustration by Julie Lonneman exclusively for Augsburg Fortress.