John 16:10 – “About righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus continues explaining the work of the Holy Spirit. He has already said that the Spirit will convict the world about sin (John 16:9), and now He adds that the Spirit will also convict the world about righteousness.

The phrase “because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer” is key to understanding this. Jesus is saying that His departure will prove what true righteousness is. While He was on earth, people had a living example of perfect righteousness in Him. But after His ascension, the Holy Spirit would take over the role of convicting the world about what righteousness really means.

This verse points to a deep truth: many people have a false idea of righteousness. The religious leaders in Jesus’ time thought righteousness came from following laws and traditions. But Jesus showed that true righteousness is found in Him alone. His resurrection and return to the Father proved that His righteousness was accepted by God.

The Holy Spirit continues this work today by revealing that human righteousness is not enough—only the righteousness of Christ can save.

Historical Context

During Jesus’ time, the Jewish religious leaders believed they were righteous because they strictly followed the Law of Moses. They taught that obeying commandments, performing rituals, and keeping traditions made someone right with God. However, they completely missed the fact that righteousness is not just about outward actions—it is about the heart.

When Jesus came, He exposed their false righteousness. He pointed out their hypocrisy and showed that real righteousness is about loving God and others (Matthew 22:37-40). Instead of embracing this truth, the religious leaders rejected Him and convinced the people to crucify Him.

But God had the final say. When Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, it proved that He was truly righteous—far above the false righteousness of the religious system. His ascension was like a stamp of approval from God, proving that Jesus was the only way to be made right with Him.

Theological Implications

1. True Righteousness is Found in Christ Alone – Many people think righteousness comes from good works, religious rituals, or moral behavior. But the Bible teaches that real righteousness comes only from faith in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
2. The Holy Spirit Reveals What is Truly Right – Without the Spirit, people define righteousness on their own terms. But the Spirit convicts hearts, showing that Jesus is the true standard of righteousness.
3. Jesus’ Resurrection Proves His Righteousness – The fact that Jesus returned to the Father means that He was completely without sin. His ascension confirms that God accepted His sacrifice (Hebrews 7:26-27).
4. Self-Righteousness is Not Enough – The Pharisees thought they were righteous by following rules, but Jesus exposed their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28). The Spirit continues this work today, revealing that apart from Christ, no one is truly righteous (Romans 3:10).

Literary Analysis

This verse follows a pattern in Jesus’ teaching about the Holy Spirit’s work:

• “About righteousness” – The Holy Spirit will reveal what true righteousness is.
• “Because I am going to the Father” – Jesus’ return to heaven proves that He is righteous.
• “Where you can see me no longer” – Since Jesus will no longer be physically present, the Spirit will take over the role of convicting the world about righteousness.

Jesus’ wording also suggests a contrast between outward appearances and spiritual reality. Many people saw Jesus as a troublemaker, a false teacher, or even a criminal. But His resurrection and ascension revealed the truth—He was the only truly righteous one.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 64:6 – “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” Human righteousness is not enough.
• Matthew 5:20 – Jesus says that righteousness must go beyond the Pharisees’ outward obedience.
• Romans 3:10-11 – “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Only Jesus is truly righteous.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – Jesus became sin for us so that we might receive God’s righteousness.
• Hebrews 7:26 – Jesus is “holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners.” His righteousness is perfect.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that righteousness is not about trying to be a good person—it is about trusting in Christ. Many people believe that as long as they are kind, generous, and law-abiding, they are good enough for heaven. But Jesus teaches that real righteousness is found only in Him.

As believers, this verse challenges us to depend on the Holy Spirit to shape our understanding of righteousness. It is easy to fall into legalism (thinking that following rules makes us right with God) or moralism (thinking that simply being good is enough). But the Spirit reminds us that our righteousness comes from Jesus alone.

It also encourages us to share this truth with others. Many people are trying to earn their way to heaven. We can lovingly show them that Jesus has already done the work—they just need to trust in Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, this verse might not seem directly related to God’s love, but in reality, it is one of the greatest expressions of His love. Instead of leaving us to figure out righteousness on our own, God sent Jesus to be our righteousness. And now, through the Holy Spirit, He continues to guide people into this truth.

God’s love is not just about forgiveness—it is about transformation. He does not just declare us righteous; He also makes us righteous through His Spirit. He convicts us not to condemn us, but to lead us into life and truth.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Standard of Righteousness – Unlike human righteousness, which is flawed, Jesus’ righteousness is perfect and accepted by God (Hebrews 4:15).
2. Jesus’ Ascension Proves His Righteousness – His return to the Father shows that His mission was complete and that He alone is righteous.
3. Jesus Offers His Righteousness to Believers – Through faith in Him, we are clothed in His righteousness (Romans 5:19).
4. Jesus Sent the Spirit to Continue His Work – Now that Jesus is in heaven, the Spirit carries on His mission of revealing the truth about righteousness (John 14:16-17).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Jesus connected righteousness with His return to the Father?
2. How does the Holy Spirit convict people about true righteousness today?
3. What are some false ideas of righteousness that people believe in today’s world?
4. How can we rely on Christ’s righteousness instead of trying to earn our own?
5. How does this verse encourage you to share the gospel with those who believe they are “good enough” without Jesus?