To read the texts click on the texts: Acts 16:22-34; Jn 16:5-11
These verses continue the
farewell Discourse which was begun in 14:1. Since Jesus had been physically
present to the disciples, he did not need to give them instructions about the
time when he would not be with them. However, since that time has now come,
they need to be informed about how they are to handle the future without him.
They are dismayed and troubled, even though they know that he is going to the
Father. They must realize and accept that it is to their advantage that Jesus
goes. If he does not go, the Paraclete cannot come. Jesus’ departure, which
means his death, resurrection, and ascension, must precede the Paraclete’s
coming. When this happens, Jesus will have completed the work given to him by
the Father and the Paraclete will continue the work begun by Jesus.
The Paraclete’s work in the
world will be to bring people to trial. This, however, is only one of the many
functions that the Paraclete performs. It will bring out into the open the true
meaning of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and the “world”, which here means
those who rejected Jesus, will be held accountable.
The “world’s” sin is exposed
because they have not believed in Jesus as the one who was sent from, and by,
the Father. This means that the focus is not on one particular act, but on the
attitude of rejection. Though the “world” might assume that Jesus’ death is the
end, it is mistaken and, in this is righteousness exposed. Jesus’ death is not
the end; rather, it is the completion on earth of the work entrusted to him by
the Father. It is to be seen in the context of obedience to his Father’s will
for him and the world. The final judgment will be that of the “ruler of this
world”. By his death, resurrection, and ascension, the devil, the embodiment of
all that is opposed to Jesus, will be judged. It will be proved, through this
decisive act that God has triumphed in his Son.
The “world” continues
to be opposed to Jesus and to love. However, Jesus continues to be present to
the world in his Spirit, made manifest in his disciples. It is the task of the
disciples inspired and guided by the Spirit to continue to expose the sin of
the world and bring the world to judgment. While this may be done by verbal
proclamation, it must also be, like in the case of Jesus, a proclamation that
is shown in action.
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