Main point: The name and function of the Holy Spirit are both related to truth v.13. He will tell the disciples what is to come and the source of that information is from Jesus v.13-14. The content of the purpose is to glorify Jesus v.14.
Why did Jesus not tell the disciples Himself about the future if the content is about the glorification of Jesus? In v.12, Jesus said, “you cannot bear them now…” In other words, even the goal is for glorification, but first, He would suffer and so would the disciples. (NAC) Such further information would more naturally be information about their forthcoming unbearable persecution and even death (cf. Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ prediction of his death, and that came after Jesus’ resurrection; 21:21)...But the future was also an unknown page for them, since these Paraclete passages indicate that the coming times would be traumatic for them and that in such times the disciples would need the truthful and authentic Spirit to guide them through their forthcoming wilderness. It is in this combination of farewell and hope of guidance that contemporary readers can find this passage to be of great significance for their lives of discipleship.
Reflection: The help of the disciples was the Spirit of truth during their persecution. How did the truth help us when we are under persecution? First, the reason for our suffering is not because of our sin. Only if we are being persecuted for the right reason then the truth would be our help. Second, we need to learn to be sustained by the truth. In any situation, if our heart is right with God we are fine no matter how bad the situation is.
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