Read: John 14:15-31
Key Text: But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything that I have said to you. (John 14:26)
Reflection: Since the triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:12-19) the pace in John’s gospel has slowed as Jesus turns resolutely towards his cross. He has predicted his death, confronted stubborn unbelief, shocked his disciples by washing their feet and predicted Peter’s betrayal and denial. The disciple’s minds would have been reeling and their emotions in turmoil. No wonder then that at the beginning of John 14, there Jesus encourages his disciples with the words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” (John 14:1) It was into this turmoil that Jesus promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to his followers.
Jesus’ promise is consistent with the prophecy of Joel centuries before. Speaking of the Day of the Lord, God says, “And afterwards I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.” (Joel 2:28-29) Joel’s prophecy and Jesus’ promise is that the same Spirit that brooded over creation (Genesis 2) will infuse God’s people with power.
The Greek word translated as Counselor in today’s passage is parakletos, which means ‘one called along side.’ Just as Jesus has come along side us in his incarnation to teach us about the Father and the Spirit, so the Holy Spirit comes along side us to witness to, and teach us, about Jesus and the Father. The Holy Spirit will embed and reveal the profound truth of Jesus’ teaching to his disciples (John 14:26, 15:13-15). The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is nothing less than the ongoing presence of Jesus with us (Matthew 28:20), empowering us to do together even greater things than he did (John 14:12).
Question: When and how have you experienced the Holy Spirit coming alongside you? Where do you need the Spirit of truth to clear confusion you have about matters of faith (John 15:13)
Read: Acts 2:1-13
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