Single lesson
The Spirit's Work and Guidance
John 16:5–15
Jesus tells his disciples that he is going away, and that makes them sad. In these verses he explains why his going is important and what the Spirit will do after he goes.
Before you teach
In this part of Jesus’ teaching, he speaks about going to the one who sent him and says sorrow has filled the disciples’ hearts. He explains that the Counselor will come if he goes, and then describes the Spirit’s work in relation to the world, the disciples and himself.
Students will be able to name two things Jesus says the Spirit does in John 16:5–15 and explain how this helps the disciples after Jesus goes away.
Welcome: Sadness and help Jesus promised
5 minAsk the children to listen for two big ideas: why the disciples are sad and why Jesus says his going away is good for them. Introduce the passage simply: Jesus says he is going to the one who sent him, the disciples are full of sorrow, and Jesus promises the Counselor will come.
John 16:5, John 16:6, John 16:7
Read and explain: Why Jesus says his going is for their advantage
7 minRead verses 5–7 aloud. Explain that Jesus does not pretend the disciples are happy. He says sorrow has filled their hearts. Then he tells them a true and surprising thing: it is to their advantage that he goes away, because then the Counselor will come, and Jesus will send him.
John 16:5, John 16:6, John 16:7
Discuss: What the Spirit does in the world and with the disciples
7 minRead verses 8–13. Explain that Jesus says the Spirit will convict the world about sin, righteousness and judgment. The passage itself explains these points: sin because they do not believe in Jesus, righteousness because Jesus goes to the Father, and judgment because the prince of this world has been judged. Jesus also says the Spirit of truth will guide the disciples into all truth.
John 16:8, John 16:9, John 16:10, John 16:11, John 16:12, John 16:13
Make and respond: Reminder card about the Spirit’s work
6 minChildren choose a short phrase from the passage for a reminder card, such as ‘The Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth’ or ‘He will glorify me’. Help them write the verse reference and draw a simple symbol such as a path, a heart or a speech bubble. Briefly share how the card reminds us to listen to Jesus’ words about the Spirit.
John 16:13, John 16:14, John 16:15
Closing: The Spirit points to Jesus
5 minFinish by reading verses 14–15 again. Emphasise that the Spirit does not draw attention away from Jesus. Jesus says the Spirit will glorify him and will declare what belongs to him. Review the lesson by asking children to tell one thing the Spirit does from the passage and why Jesus’ leaving was good.
John 16:14, John 16:15, John 16:7
Questions to explore
Why does Jesus say it is to the disciples’ advantage that he goes away?
Look closely at Jesus’ reason in the verse: if he does not go away, the Counselor will not come, but if he goes, Jesus will send him.
John 16:7
What three things does Jesus say the Spirit will convict the world about, and how does the passage explain them?
Use the list in verses 8–11 and match each one with the explanation Jesus gives in the next verses.
John 16:8, John 16:9, John 16:10, John 16:11
How can we tell from this passage that the Spirit’s work agrees with Jesus and honours Jesus?
Notice that the Spirit is called the Spirit of truth, does not speak from himself, and glorifies Jesus by declaring what is his.
John 16:13, John 16:14, John 16:15
Make, think or respond
Spirit of Truth Reminder Card
What you’ll need
- plain card or paper
- pencils or markers
- Bible text written out or read aloud
- optional crayons
Try it together
- Read John 16:13–15 together and let each child choose one short phrase from the passage.
- Write the chosen phrase and its verse reference on a card.
- Add a simple drawing that matches the phrase, such as a path for guidance or a speech bubble for declaring truth.
- Take turns showing the card and saying how the phrase teaches something about the Spirit’s work.
- Place the cards where children can review the passage at the end.
This activity helps children remember that Jesus says the Spirit guides into truth and glorifies Jesus.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, offer two pre-selected phrases from John 16:13–14 and let them copy just a few key words with the reference.
- For older or more confident children, ask them to sort the passage into two headings: what the Spirit does in the world and what the Spirit does for the disciples.
An optional closing prayer
You might pray: ‘Father, thank you that Jesus spoke truth to his disciples. Please help us understand what Jesus says about the Spirit, and help us honour Jesus as we listen to his word.’
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
John 16
5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
6 But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
8 When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;
9 about sin, because they don’t believe in me;
10 about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more;
11 about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.
12 “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.
13 However, when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.
14 He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine and will declare it to you.
15 All things that the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he takes of mine and will declare it to you.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.