Another Counselor Series

John’s Gospel #9 Another Counselor

CHCC: March 30, 2008

John 14-17

INTRODUCTION:

I like this series we’re having from the Gospel of John. Matthew, Mark, and Luke give more of the public teachings of Jesus. But John describes more long private conversations. In fact, John 13 – 17 goes into great detail about the things Jesus told his 12 Apostles during His last Passover feast. John gives so many details that you almost feel like you were right there with them.

I’ve often heard people talk about how amazing it would have been to walk and talk with Jesus when He was here on earth. When you think about all the billions of people who have ever lived, only the tiniest percentage ever saw or heard Jesus here on earth.

Even if you had lived back then … and even if you had lived somewhere in Judea, Samaria, or Galilee … there would be a good chance that you might never have seen Jesus at all. Or if you were lucky, you might have seen him at a distance, or heard him teach for a few minutes.

After all, Jesus was limited by time and space for the 3 years he was here. That helps explain why Jesus said this to His disciples on the night before He was crucified: "Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, ’Where are you going?’ Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away.” John 16: 5

He went on to explain WHY it was better for Him to go.

He said, Unless I go away, another Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. It was better if Jesus left this earth because then he could send them another Counselor … one who would NOT be limited by time and space. A Counselor who would not just be WITH them; He would be IN them.

1. Another Counselor will be IN YOU

… Which reminds me of a story I heard about a little pre-school girl. She was at the Doctor’s office. When the Doctor was listening to the little girl’s heart through a Stethoscope, he asked her, “Who do I hear in there? Is Donald Duck in there? Is Barney in there?”

The little girl corrected him very seriously: “No! Jesus is in my heart ----Barney is on my underwear!”

Even a little children can understand having Jesus come into their hearts. That’s what Jesus was talking about when he made this promise: I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you … and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:16-18

The word that is translated Counselor is the Greek word “paraclete.” Literally, para means “beside” and “klete” means “to call.” The word translated another (allos) is a word that means “of the same kind.” So Jesus was telling them, I will give you someone like me to come alongside you after I am gone.

The word paraclete has a lot of meaning … and all these meanings apply to the Holy Spirit:

• Paraclete is the legal term that describes Legal Counsel --- like a Defense Attorney or an Advocate.

• The word is also used to describe a Comforter, Friend, or Guide.

• It is often used to describe anyone who is a Helper in general

• … or someone who is an Equipper and Provider (like “Q” in 007 movies … who provides James Bond with amazing gadgets, weapons, and vehicles so he can carry out his missions! Hey, I’m a guy so I think like a guy …)

Speaking of being a guy… an author named Gordon Dalbey wrote a book called Healing the Masculine Soul. He explains that Paraclete was first used in ancient Greece as a warrior’s term. He writes: “Greek soldiers went into battle in pairs, so when the enemy attacked, they could draw together back-to-back, covering each other’s blind side. Literally, your “paraclete” has your back.” Tom Tripp, Colusa, California. Leadership, Vol. 15, no. 2.

I don’t know about you, but I like the idea of someone who always has my back! It’s good to know that we don’t have to face the battles of life alone. Jesus promised, I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Paraclete … an Advocate, a Friend, a Helper, someone who has your back….

Jesus promised to send another Counselor who would be with us forever—