How to See Life in 321 - a Guide to John's GospelSample

What is wrong with the world?

I have yet to meet someone who denies that there’s something wrong. We all have a profound sense that the world is not as it should be. But, when you think about it, that’s very strange. How should the world be? This is the only world we have, isn’t it? So, what are we comparing life to when we conclude that it ought to be different?

The Bible explains our intuitions. It says that the world really ought to be different. It feels so wrong because we have fallen. In the next few days, we will explore the ways Jesus is the answer to that fall. But today, let’s consider Jesus’ diagnosis of our problems and his prognosis for the world.

In John 16, from verse 8, we hear the diagnosis. Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will come in a special way and convict the world of its sin, namely that “people do not believe in me.” Here is the core problem with the world — unbelief. Suspicion. We are made for a loving, trusting ONE-ness with Jesus. But naturally, the world mistrusts its Maker. Every other problem has flowed from there. And it has gotten so bad that when our Maker showed up in person, instead of rolling out the red carpet, we nailed him to a cross until he choked to death. The fundamental problem with the world is our sin, and at the heart of our sin is the fact we’ve broken faith in our Maker — with Jesus!

And what’s the prognosis? Well, it’s two-fold — there’s bad news and good news. In John 16, Jesus prepares his followers for his own death (but also his resurrection). In doing so, he promises that those who are ONE with him will share in that pattern. We, too, will suffer (and then rise). So, from verse 21, Jesus gives an image that is full of pain and full of hope: childbirth. Through the suffering of the cross, comes the new life of resurrection. As it was for Jesus, so shall it be for all who are ONE with him.

As you read John 16, look out for the ways the Holy Spirit is presented as a comfort to us in the midst of our suffering. Perhaps think of how the Spirit has been described in the last few chapters — sometimes he’s been called the ‘Advocate’ or the ‘Spirit of Truth.’ In the midst of the suffering that Jesus promises, consider: Who is the Spirit; What does he do; and Why do we need him?