John 16:5-11

John 16:5-11
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Two things here stand out to me.  The first is the necessity of Christ's death.  Anyone who says that Christ was just a good teacher isn't reading the entirety of the Gospels.  He was clear about his impending death and resurrection, and also about his identity as the Messiah -- the 'I Am' statements in John clearly identify him as someone more than just a teacher.  He's vitally important to humanity as our Savior, but he must die to save.  There must be a sacrifice, one final sacrifice that is effective for all of us, that has the power to atone for sin, both now and forevermore.  Only Jesus, who lived the perfect life, can be that sacrifice.
  Second, Jesus talks about judgment here.  If you're like me, you have a pretty healthy fear of judgment, so what's vital for us to remember is that the one who comes as judge is the same one who comes as Savior.  Jesus wants to save us, and he dies to save us.  Jesus isn't waiting to see how we mess up -- he's watching to see us be transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit within us.  Jesus loves us and wants us to thrive in the eternal kingdom, where the grace and mercy that are available now abound forever.