The Lodestar

Jesus did not author any book in the New Testament; his disciples wrote all of them. This verse assures that all they wrote was the teaching of Jesus, as the Holy Spirit reminded them. The Holy Spirit not only reminded them but also made them choose what to write and what to leave out. John says that if he recorded all that Jesus did and taught, it may require many volumes.

“Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” (John 21:25). So, John had to limit himself as the Holy Spirit guided him.

The Holy Spirit guided each writer to produce diverse accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings. John omits what Matthew had already written, even though they wrote from different places, many decades apart. The gospel writers also add or omit details in the same story to give it different perspectives. This is also the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' words and deeds had many facets, and no writer can include them all. So, the Holy Spirit used the four evangelists to write different perspectives and see diverse implications.

Not only here but also on other occasions, Jesus affirmed the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit.

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning” (John 15:26—27).

The Holy Spirit not only brought the teachings of Jesus but also guides everyone to the truths that Jesus taught.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13—15).

The ministry of the Holy Spirit in writing the New Testament ensures that we have Jesus' teaching, not human compositions, in the Bible. The Holy Spirit also guides us to the truth Jesus taught by illumining our hearts. It is futile to read the Bible without the help of the Holy Spirit; mere intellectual and aesthetic appreciation of the Bible contributes little to our pilgrimage to eternity.

Paul affirmed that “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Rom 8:14). Therefore, the Holy Spirit's leading is essential in reading and meditation on the Word of God.

The Bible is the only book whose author is eternally alive and present by the reader's side to explain it. So, we do not have to close the Bible in desperation, unable to comprehend a particular passage. Just a short prayer to God for help and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's presence will help us delve into its significance in our lives.

Let us read our Bible, seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and he will thrill us with what he shows us. If we start reading the Bible seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will glorify God and surrender our lives to him.

Pause now and grab your Bible. Before opening to today’s passage, pray: “Holy Spirit, guide me into Jesus’ truth—show me what to see and apply.” Read slowly, noting what stirs your heart.

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