It’s Good that Jesus Has Gone Away…Because the Holy Spirit Has Now Come.
by Pastor Edwin Lehmann on April 26, 2024 in John 16:5-15
Fourth Sunday after Easter – Cantate April 28, 2024
Text: John 16:5-15 Historic Series 24:2443
Theme: It’s Good that Jesus Has Gone Away…Because the Holy Spirit Has Now Come.
Around 480 years before Jesus was born, something happened that changed the course of world history. Four Hundred Eighty B.C. is the time of Queen Esther. Although it is not recorded in the Bible, what happened involved her Persian husband, King Xerxes. Xerxes had amassed a great fleet of ships poised to invade Greece and extend the Persian Empire into Europe.
On the day of battle at Salamis, the soldiers of the inferior Greek army wanted to launch an attack on the Persian fleet under cover of darkness. But the Greek general, Themistocles, held back the attack. He waited until mid-morning. The delay alarmed his soldiers who began to accuse him of cowardice and treason. Neither was true. There was tactical wisdom behind Themistocles’ delay.
He knew that after 9 am a breeze would begin to blow off the heated land, out to sea. The wind would fill the sails of his Greek ships and release his rowers to be soldiers, enabling them to apply all available hands to the fight. At the same time the wind off-shore would blow against the Persians and cause them difficulty in maneuvering their ships. Guess who won the battle? With the wind at their backs, the Greeks were enabled to apply themselves completely to the task of fighting. That day a much inferior Greek army defeated an overwhelmingly superior Persian force.
In our lives within Christ’s Kingdom, we Christians are like those Greeks, outmatched by the numbers of those in the world against Him. But we go on our way with a strong wind behind us, the Holy Spirit. He cannot be seen. But like the wind, He works in powerful ways, enabling Christ’s inferior Church to sing songs of victory. With Him behind us, souls will be won for eternity. That’s the comfort and assurance that Jesus gave His disciples in our text. But before that would happen, Jesus Had to Go Away.
I. He had to go away so that the Spirit could come to comfort us.
That news was like a bombshell hitting the disciples. It was Maundy Thursday evening, during the Passover meal when Jesus told them that He Had to Go Away, and that It Would be Good For Them that He went. The news stunned the disciples and filled them with grief. How would they be able to withstand everything that was coming at them if He were not at their side? So overcome were they by sadness that they failed to hear where He was going.
Jesus was going back to the heavenly Father above, where we might say He belonged. But all the disciples could think about were themselves and their perceived personal loss. Whatever was in each one’s thinking, Jesus’ words to them make it clear that they were not thinking about Him and all that He was about to undergo for our salvation for He said to them, “Now I am going…Yet none of you ask me, ‘Where are you going?’”
Care about Jesus? It doesn’t seem like it. Care about God and His eternal plans to save the world? Again, it doesn’t seem like it. No, they were thinking of themselves and how they perceived Jesus Going Away was going to affect them.
Ah, that is something that is so easy to fall into. Thinking of ourselves and how we perceive things will affect us, we blind ourselves to the work of God for us and in us. We see our goals, our dreams, our plans, our enjoyments, but in the process can totally miss what God has in mind and is doing. The Scriptures convict us of that when they say, “You do not have in mind the things of God, but of men” (Mt.16:23). Again, they caution, “Many live as the enemies of the cross of Christ. Their god is their stomach (desires). Their mind is on earthly things” (Phlp3:19). In like manner the disciples were thinking only of themselves.
What a time for Jesus to set them straight. But such is not the working of a gracious Savior. Rather, like the Scriptures portray Him, “He is slow to anger and abounds in love and faithfulness, forgiving the wickedness, rebellion and sin” of His people. Even when those who follow Him don’t take the time to listen and ask what He is doing, even when they are insensitive towards Him and thinking only of their worldly desires, He does not lash out. Rather, He seeks to teach, strengthen, and especially comfort them in their time of distress.
So it was that Jesus comforted them in their grief and instructed them more fully in the saving plans of God. He promised that another would come to stand at their side for their guidance when He went away. And it would be good. Jesus said, “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. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him.”
It Was Good that Jesus Was Going Away, because leaving meant so much more for them. It meant the completion of His work on the cross and the Father’s approval of it in raising Him from the dead. Most of all, it meant an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in a special way into the life and work of Christ’s Church, a way that would be to His people’s comfort. He is the One to do it in our lives for the Scriptures declare, that the Spirit is the one who searches all things, even the deep things of God. No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. And we have received that Spirit who is from God that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
So, for the disciples and us It is Good That Jesus Has Gone Away Because Now the Spirit, who knows the deep thoughts of God, Is Here to comfort us.
II. Jesus had to go away so that the Spirit could come to convict the world.
How will He comfort us? Jesus explains: “When He comes He will convict the world in regard to sin, righteousness, and judgment.”
The Spirit, not Jesus, nor even the Father, but the Spirit is the one who impacts our lives of faith. He is the Counselor, the attorney who lays out the case before us with convincing proofs that we just can’t ignore. He keeps pounding away until He convicts or convinces us within. That is not a bad thing.
Do you remember the old television shows that portrayed the wise and determined lawyers, like Perry Mason or Matlock? With determination and insight they stuck to their task and meticulously collected all the evidence and proof that in the end won the day and got the conviction. So also the Holy Spirit Who Is Now Here.
He is the One who convinces us, yes, convicts us about sin – that we have fallen far short of God’s demands. Guilty! When your conscience responds like that, the Spirit is working, convicting.
He is the One who convinces, yes, convicts us of righteousness, that we have not done what was right and what was enough with God. He whispers in our ears, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and the Pharisees, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
He is the One who convinces, yes, convicts us of the judgment that would fall on us for our lack of faith in the Savior. We should stand condemned. He works in us meticulously and unrelentingly, like a lawyer to convict.
But there’s another side to that. The basic meaning behind the words convince and convict is “to win over.” The Spirit seeks to win us over to faith in the Savior. Just as He lays out before us the sure proof of our sin, so also He lays out before us the incontrovertible evidence of all that Jesus the Savior has done to justify us before God. The Spirit doesn’t stop convincing us of sin, but He continues with the Gospel to point us to Christ. “There, there is the proof,” He says, “that God has accepted what Jesus has done for you and forgiven all for Jesus’ sake.” And in so doing, the Holy Spirit fulfills that task of comforting to all who believe it, just like Jesus promised. A conviction that comforts, comforts us now, comforts us eternally.
But without Jesus going away and sending the Holy Spirit to work on us, you could not have such a conviction in what Christ has done. That’s why before Jesus went away, He promised that His departure would be good, good because Now the Holy Spirit Is Here to convict and to comfort us within.
And now the Spirit sends us on our way like the Savior never could, singing a song of joy within for all that the Lord Jesus has done for us. The Spirit is like the wind that was in the sails of Themistocles, driving his ships forward to victory. Themistocles couldn’t see the wind, but it was there, and it was his greatest power and ally.
So also the Spirit is for us. He is the One who drives us forward in faith, enabling us to be about the tasks He gives us to do – living for the Savior, convicted and comforted in Him. God grant it to us in faith for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Zion Lutheran Church of Springfield
(A member congregation of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod)
4717 S Farm Rd 135 (Golden Avenue)
Church phone: 417.887.0886 Pastor’s cell phone: 417.693.3244
www.zionluthchurch.com email: revelehmann@gmail.com
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The Fourth Sunday after Easter Cantate – “Sing to the Lord”
April 28, 2024
“It is good for you that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor
will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.” John 16:7
Welcome: The family of Zion welcomes you as we worship the Lord today. We encourage children to worship with us. However, if you need to leave with your child, there is a nursery room to the right as you exit the sanctuary. The rest rooms are located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. Visitors, please sign our guest book to the right, just outside the sanctuary. We’re glad that you are here and pray that through our worship the Lord grants you peace.
U p o n E n t e r i n g G o d’ s H o u s e
Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him. The LORD has made His salvation known and revealed His righteousness” (Psalm 98).
W h a t T h i s S u n d a y i s A b o u t
Blessed with the Promised Holy Spirit Our thoughts begin to turn from the joys of Christ’s resurrection to the comforts which the Holy Spirit gives us in God’s plan of salvation now completed.
The plan of salvation which God promised His people since the fall into sin is finished. But now the “work” of believing and proclaiming it begins. It was to begin with Jesus’ twelve disciples. Before His death, the Savior assured them that He would send help to them from the Father in the person of the Holy Spirit.
With this Sunday, known as “Cantate” (sing), we begin to enter the Pentecost cycle of the Church Year. The joy of Easter is still fresh in our hearts, prompting Christians to sing for joy. The Church needs help to continue its song. That help comes through the Holy Spirit.
To that end we pray: O God, You form the minds of Your people into a single will. Grant that we desire what You promise, that we may ever yearn for the lasting joys of heaven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
– T h e W o r d o f G o d f o r T o d a y –
(The Lessons of the Day are from the Historic Pericope Series of the Christian Church.)
The Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 29:9-14
In their obstinacy and sin against Him, God called Israel blind to His truths. Thinking they were wise, they were ignorant as they failed to worship Him in truth. Their vain human wisdom would perish and destroy them. Hence, the desperate need of the Holy Spirit’s work of enlightenment within us is implied.
The Epistle Lesson: James 1:17-21
Faithful and unchanging, our heavenly Father provides only good gifts to His people. (One of the greatest gifts is that of the Holy Spirit who guides us in a life of faith in Christ.) In response the believer is quick to hear and obey the Word of righteousness given to us.
The Gospel Lesson: John 16:5-15
On Maundy Thursday evening, the disciples were confused and upset as Jesus told of His imminent departure from them through His death, resurrection, and ascension. They could not grasp it all. Jesus promised to send them another Guide and Helper – the Holy Spirit. He would counsel them as they went out to “convict the world.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Organist: Jane Rips The Preacher: Pastor Edwin Lehmann
Points to Ponder: “If you will but read the Word, meditate on it, and attend faithfully the worship in God’s House, you will find that the Holy Ghost will instill in you, as He did in the disciples, a faith that will make you more than conquerors over sin, sorrow, and despair. He will guide you to a better understanding of the truths of God’s Word and will work in you a more confident trust in its blessed promises. And while the world is lamenting, you will be rejoicing. While it is complaining, you will be contented. And while it is despairing, you will be singing a song of praise and triumph.” — Pastor Henry Eggold on “The Work of the Holy Spirit”
The name of this Sunday, Cantate, invites us to sing a song of praise. That may seem strange to some at this time. But no matter how bad the world may be, God has not left us on our own but has given us His Son to be the Savior. Along with Him, He showers us with all types of “good and perfect gifts.” When our eyes are opened to see the bountiful gifts of His love, our hearts can do no less than sing of joy.
Outline of Our Worship
Lord, Hear Us
Opening Thoughts on the Service
The Entrance Hymn: #466
The Order of Service Morning Prayer: Hymnal pg.207
Lord, Feed Us
Psalm of the Day: #98
Isaiah 29:9-14
James 1:17-21
Hymn Response: #604
John 16:5-15
Sermon Hymn: #593
Sermon Text: John 16:5-15 It’s Good That Jesus Goes Away
Lord, Accept Our Response
The Te Deum Laudamus Hymnal page 210
The Offering
Hymnal pg.213-214 “Lord, Have Mercy”
Prayers, Lord’s Prayer
Lord, Bless Us
The Benediction Hymnal page 214
Closing Hymn: #881
WELS Connection:
Silent Prayer
Fourth Sunday after Easter “Cantate” – Historic Series
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 29:9-14 – Woe to the City of David.
9 Be stunned! Be amazed! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunk, but not with wine. They stagger, but not from beer. 10 For the Lord has poured out a spirit of deep sleep over you. He has closed your eyes—the prophets. He has covered your heads—the seers.
11 For you this whole vision has become like the words of a sealed scroll. If you give it to someone who can read, and you say, “Read this, please,” he will say, “I can’t. It is sealed.” 12 And if you give it to someone who cannot read, and you say, “Read this, please,” he will say, “I can’t read.”
13 The Lord says: These people approach me with their words, and they honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is nothing but commandments taught by men. 14 So watch how I will continue to amaze these people with amazing, extraordinary things. The wisdom of the wise will perish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden.
Epistle Lesson: James 1:17-21 – The Heavenly Father Gives Good Gifts.
17 Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, who does not change or shift like a shadow. 18 Just as he planned, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of first-fruits of his creations.
19 Remember this, my dear brothers: Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. 20 Certainly, a man’s anger does not bring about what is right before God. 21 So after getting rid of all moral filthiness and overflowing wickedness, receive with humility the word planted in you. It is able to save your souls.
Gospel Lesson: John 16:5-15 – “I Will Send the Counselor to You.”
5 “But now I am going away to him who sent me, and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 Yet because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth: It is good for you that I go away. For if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment: 9 about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; 11 about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
12 “I still have many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own, but whatever he hears he will speak. He will also declare to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I said that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.
The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version® (EHV®) © 2019
Calendar & Announcements for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
| Today
April 28 |
Monday
April 29 |
Tuesday
April 30 |
Wednesday
May 1 |
Thursday
May 2 |
Friday
May 3 |
Saturday
May 4 |
Next Sun.
May 5 |
| 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service online -Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study
Easter 4 – Cantate |
11am Midweek Bible Class
|
Men’s Retreat at Camp Trinity will be held… | …Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. | 9:00 am
Divine Worship Service with Holy Communion online – Facebook 10:15 am Fellowship & Bible Study
Easter 5 – Rogate |
A Brief Bible Study on God’s Word for Today
With Jesus’ promise to His disciples in the Gospel Lesson today, the Christian Church begins to turn its attention from its celebration of the Resurrection to the Pentecostal Season of the Church Year. Jesus promised to provide guidance for His people even though He would be leaving them in His return to heaven. Such divine guidance is necessary if we are to continue living in the joy of Christ’s resurrection. Our lives depend entirely upon the working of almighty God. Jesus promised that would continue even though He would make His physical departure from earth following His resurrection.
The Gospel Lesson: John 16:5-15 (the answers are found below)
- What promise did Jesus make His disciples?
- What would the Holy Spirit do when He came?
Those We Remember In Our Prayers: Greg Miller; William & Laurie Moon; Kirsten Jaster (Laurie Moon’s sister); Greg Pierson (Long’s son-in-law); Libya, (Jodi Milam’s granddaughter); Barbara Long; Robbie Woessner; Kay Schmidt at Quail Creek Rehab; Norine Richardson; Lois Wiese; Melissa Morlack-Jaeger undergoing pulmonary and echocardiogram tests; Liz Lisenby, hospitalized in Cox South.
Thank You to those who were able to remain for a little while last Sunday to help in removing the pews and then reinstalling them following the laying of carpet and new flooring this past week.
Divine Call Sent At the joint call meeting of Zion and Peace this past Wednesday, Pastor Nathaniel Winkel was selected to whom our call for pastor will be sent. He is 41 years old and presently serves Mountain Valley Lutheran Church, Eagle, CO. He and wife Tiffany have four children, ages 10-16 years old. Please keep Pastor Winkel and family in your prayers over the next few weeks as he prayerfully considers where the Lord would have him serve in His Kingdom of Grace. More information about him may be found on the bulletin board in the hallway.
Upcoming Services and Events
May 3-4 – WELS/ELS Men’s Retreat, Camp Trinity, New Haven, MO – see bulletin board for more information
In the month of May, the following two special door offerings will be taken to help two ministries in the Synod:
– Mother’s Day, May 12 – door offering for New Beginnings Ministry to help serve unwed mothers
– May 26, Memorial Day weekend – door offering or the WELS Ministry to the Military
The Week in Review
Last Sunday Worship: 31; Communed: 26; Fellowship: 16; Midweek Bible Class: no class this past week; Offerings: $1,253.
Next Sunday’s Lessons:
Easter 5 – Rogate: Isaiah 55:6-11; James 1:22-27; John 16:23-30 (Historic Pericope Series)
Answer to Today’s Gospel Lesson Brief Study:
- Jesus promised that after He ascended into heaven, He would send His disciples the Holy Spirit as their counselor.
- He would convict the world of sin through the law of God and bring comfort to burdened souls through the gospel of salvation.
