John 16:14 – “He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus is speaking about the work of the Holy Spirit. He has already explained that the Holy Spirit will guide believers into all truth (John 16:13), and now He adds that the Spirit’s role is to glorify Jesus.

The phrase “He will glorify me” is key. The Holy Spirit does not draw attention to Himself or promote a different message. Instead, His mission is to magnify Jesus Christ—helping people see who Jesus truly is and what He has done.

Jesus also says, “it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” This shows that the Holy Spirit does not act independently but works in perfect unity with the Son and the Father. The Spirit takes what belongs to Jesus and reveals it to believers, continuing the teaching and work of Christ.

This verse highlights a crucial truth: the Holy Spirit is not about personal experiences, self-promotion, or emotional displays. His primary work is to point people to Jesus and make Him known.

Historical Context

At the time Jesus spoke these words, the disciples were still struggling to understand His mission. They expected the Messiah to establish a powerful kingdom on earth, but Jesus was preparing to leave them.

He reassured them that His departure was not the end. The Holy Spirit would come and continue His work—not by starting something new, but by deepening their understanding of who Jesus was and what He had accomplished.

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 2), and everything changed. The disciples, who had been fearful and confused, became bold preachers of the gospel. They finally understood that Jesus’ mission was not about earthly power but about salvation for the world. The Holy Spirit glorified Jesus by empowering them to proclaim His name.

Theological Implications

1. The Holy Spirit’s Main Role is to Glorify Jesus – Any movement or teaching that focuses more on the Holy Spirit than on Christ is missing the point. The Spirit works to reveal and exalt Jesus.
2. Jesus is the Source of Divine Truth – The Spirit does not create a new message; He takes what comes from Christ and makes it known. This ensures that the truth believers receive is directly from Jesus.
3. The Trinity Works in Perfect Unity – The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit do not work separately. Jesus receives from the Father, and the Spirit receives from Jesus, showing their perfect relationship.
4. Spiritual Growth Comes Through the Spirit’s Revelation of Christ – The more we allow the Holy Spirit to teach us, the deeper our understanding of Jesus becomes.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured to show both the purpose and the process of the Holy Spirit’s work:

• “He will glorify me” – The Spirit’s purpose is to make Jesus known and honored.
• “Because it is from me that he will receive” – The Spirit’s authority and message come directly from Christ.
• “What he will make known to you” – The Spirit’s work involves revealing Jesus to believers.

This verse reinforces the idea that true spiritual teaching always centers on Jesus. The Spirit does not introduce anything new but continues the work of Christ by helping believers understand and apply His truth.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 14:26 – “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
• John 15:26 – “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.”
• Acts 2:32-33 – After Pentecost, Peter declares that Jesus has been exalted and that the Spirit was sent as a testimony to His glory.
• 1 Corinthians 2:10-12 – The Spirit reveals the deep things of God to believers.
• Colossians 1:27 – Christ in us is the hope of glory.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that the work of the Holy Spirit is always centered on Jesus. If we want to grow spiritually, we must focus on knowing Christ better. The Spirit does not just give emotional experiences—He deepens our understanding of Jesus and leads us to glorify Him.

It also challenges us to test what we hear. Many people claim to speak by the Spirit, but if their message does not point to Jesus, magnify His work, and align with His Word, then it is not from the Spirit of truth.

Additionally, this verse encourages believers to depend on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. He is not just for pastors or theologians—every Christian can experience His work in their lives, leading them into a greater knowledge of Jesus.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows the tender care of God for His people. Even though Jesus was leaving, He was not abandoning His disciples. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide them, teach them, and remind them of everything He had said.

God’s love is seen in how He patiently reveals truth over time. The Spirit does not overwhelm believers with more than they can handle. Instead, He gently leads them, step by step, into a deeper relationship with Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus is the Focus of the Holy Spirit’s Work – The Spirit does not point to Himself but always directs attention to Christ.
2. Jesus is the Source of Truth – The Spirit takes what belongs to Jesus and makes it known to believers.
3. Jesus is Glorified Through the Spirit’s Work in Believers – Every time we grow in faith, understanding, and obedience, it is the Spirit glorifying Jesus in us.
4. Jesus Sent the Holy Spirit to Continue His Mission – Even though Jesus is no longer physically present, the Spirit continues to reveal Him to the world.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the Holy Spirit help you understand and glorify Jesus in your life?
2. What are some ways people misunderstand the role of the Holy Spirit?
3. How can you tell if a teaching or movement is truly guided by the Holy Spirit?
4. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that the Spirit does not speak on His own but only what He hears?
5. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit’s guidance to grow in your knowledge of Jesus?