John 16:10

John 16:10, in plain English

The Spirit will show the world what true righteousness looks like: Jesus going to the Father. The world got its verdict wrong, and the Spirit will set the record straight.

Why it's here

The world called Jesus a criminal. God called Him righteous by raising Him and welcoming Him home. The Spirit reveals whose judgment was correct.

Who's speaking

Jesus explains how the Spirit corrects the world's understanding of righteousness.

Where it sits in the story

The world looked at Jesus and said: guilty. God looked at Jesus and said: righteous. The resurrection and ascension proved which verdict was right. The Spirit helps the world see what it missed.

The scholarly reading

Righteousness is proven by Jesus' return to the Father: His ascension vindicates His claims and life. The world can no longer see Him, but the Spirit confirms His righteousness.

Language and setting

The world judged Jesus as a criminal, but the Father's acceptance of Him (via resurrection and ascension) proves the world's verdict was wrong. True righteousness is defined by Jesus, not by the world's standards.

Voice

Jesus explains how the Spirit will convict the world regarding true righteousness.

Significance

The world condemned Jesus as unrighteous, but His return to the Father proves He was righteous all along. The Spirit will convict the world of its mistaken judgment, showing that true righteousness is found in the one the world rejected.

8And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment:

9in regard to sin, because they do not believe in Me;

10in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me;

11and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world has been condemned.

12I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it.

Read all of John 16 — Jesus warns of persecution and promises the Spirit of truth. A woman in labor forgets her anguish when the child arrives — and so will they.