The Letters of Jesus

Scripture: I [Jesus] have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you. John 16:12-15

Observation: Jesus cannot tell the disciples everything right now, as it would blow their minds. However, 'now' is more than just this chapter of John, or at this meeting. 'Now' is during his entire time on earth. Jesus can't tell the disciples everything, and therefore some of what he is going to tell them will come to them from the Holy Spirit, who himself will not be given until after Jesus has left.

In other words, the words delivered to the apostles via the Holy Spirit after Jesus departure - from the time of Pentecost on - are actually the words of Jesus. It is more of Jesus' teaching, provided by Jesus, to the Holy Spirit and then to the apostles.

Application: This is an interesting insight to me, as it gives a new perspective on the letters of Paul, John, Peter, etc. in the New Testament. I have never doubted that these letters are the "inspired word of God", however I have often wondered at their creation. In many cases, they go both broader and deeper in the teaching of Christian purposes than Jesus ever taught, and I have considered how such information was arrived at by the apostles.

This verse today gives an entirely different explanation: These letters ARE the teaching of Jesus, delivered to the apostles via the Holy Spirit. They are the direct words of Jesus ... they are his own broader and deeper explanation of the same themes he introduced to his disciples, taken to a new level once they were able to digest some of the basics.

This is very different than the idea of "inspired writings". It is much more in the context of "God breathed" or "direct teaching of Jesus".

Prayer: Dear Lord, as a result of this teaching today, I renew my commitment to pursue a "Romans 12" life. I wish to be a living sacrifice, pleasing to you. I will be transformed and serve others in love. I will serve in humility - walk humbly with you, my God - and love others with the heart of Jesus, trying to put into practice forms of mercy, hospitality, forgiveness, and joy. May I embrace YOUR teaching, Jesus, as delivered by Paul, to take up the cross of discipleship daily. Amen.