View source for Template:DOD protected/November 9

{{DOD-November}}

Chapter 16 centers around the ministry of the Holy [[Spirit]]. The disciples could not understand why Christ must leave them, so He was showing them that His return to the Father would make possible greater blessings in the coming of the Holy [[Spirit]]. The Christian life cannot be lived in the energy of the flesh. We must have the [[Spirit]] of [[God]] living in us if we are to grow spiritually and live the life that glorifies Christ. In this great chapter the [[Lord]] describes the work of the Holy [[Spirit]] through the believer.

In verses 1-11 [[Jesus]] tells us that the Holy [[Spirit]] convicts the world of [[sin]], of righteousness, and of [[judgment]]; in verses 12-15 He tells us that the Holy [[Spirit]] instructs the Christian; in verses 16-22 that the Holy [[Spirit]] encourages the Christian; and in verses 23- 33 that the Holy [[Spirit]] helps the Christian [[pray]].

Chapter 17 contains Christ's High Priestly Prayer, and has often been called "The Holy of Holies of [[John]]'s Gospel." In it we have the privilege of hearing the Son of [[God]] in conversation with [[God]] the Father. In verses 1-8 Christ prays for Himself; in verses 9-19 He prays for His disciples; and in verses 20-26 He prays for His Church.

In chapter 18 [[Jesus]] leaves the place of prayer for His meeting with His enemies. The chapter is divided into three parts: The arrest of [[Jesus]] is covered in verses 1-14; the denial of [[Jesus]] is covered in verses 15-27; and the rejection of [[Jesus]] is covered in verses 28-40.

Much has been written about how unfair and illegal [[Jesus]]' trial was and about Pilate's cowardly indecision. Note several aspects of His trial: It was held at night and [[Jesus]] was assumed to be guilty; [[Jesus]] was mistreated while bound and false witnesses testified against Him; and after the secret night trial, [[Jesus]] was led to Pilate for the final [[death]] sentence. Note that the [[Jews]] would not enter the Gentile's hall for fear they "should be defiled"; yet they condemned an innocent [[Jesus]] to [[death]]. Then, at least seven times Pilate went from the hall to the [[Jews]] outside, trying to work out a compromise with them.

[[Jesus]]' trial was a picture of Christless religion--people straining at gnats and swallowing camels!