The Gospel of John: Come and See the Overcomer, Part 3

Sunday, we considered the reasons why the world seeks to overcome the church. It is the nature of the world to reject the message of sin and the ministry of grace. It reacts to the fruit we bear as the Vine’s work. The Spirit of God in us changes the conversation to sin, righteousness, and judgment. The very love we extend to the world, removes the pretenses of righteousness the world would erect. All of this is an act of mercy that calls the world to repentance and faith.

As we move through the text, like the disciples we might experience fear and sorrow, as Jesus says, “sorrow has filled your heart,” (16:6). Our unrest is relieved when we hear Jesus remind us that we are not alone. Our sorrow will break forth into joy at the ministry of Christ on our behalf. His resurrection and ascension results in his faithful ministry for us before the Father. We have none other than the risen Christ ministering his redemption to us and supplying all that we need for life and godliness in the world today.

Not only does Jesus ascend to minister for us, providing all we need, but he sends the Spirit to minister to us, teaching us, leading us, supplying all the graces of the Vine to bring a life of fruitfulness to the branches that abide in him. Jesus says the Spirit will take what he receives from Christ and minister it to us as a direct line of grace from the Vine.

With Christ and the Spirit, we have everything we need for life in the world. Join us Sunday to consider Jesus’ teaching.