By Ms. Candy Whitman, Seminary Intern
Sunday, March 15, 2009 · Third Sunday of Lent
Sermon Text: John 16:1-11
Sermon Theme
This passage is part of Jesus’ long farewell in the Gospel of John. Christ here is speaking to his grieving disciples, and preparing them for his departure. He speaks of the persecution they will face and of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, whom he will send when he leaves.
Jesus explains the significance of the Advocate as the one who will “prove the world wrong” about sin, righteousness, and judgment. It is for us to contemplate how the Spirit will convict — or convince — the world of its wrongs. For example, does the Spirit work to correct our sinful ways, our self-righteousness, and our faulty judgments? Or does the Spirit make us question our very concept of what sin is, as well as our ideas about righteousness and judgment?
This teaching is for the world and believers as well. Jesus makes it clear that all these things are to be understood in light of himself.
