I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. - JOHN 16:7
Do you really believe what Jesus said—that it’s even better for you to have the Holy Spirit than for Jesus to be physically present, walking and talking on the earth today? That’s a pretty huge reality to wrap your heart and mind around.
If you’re ever going to experience awakening and revival in your church, community, or nation, then it must start with the Holy Spirit. The same is true for your own life. In fact, all Christian activity begins with the Holy Spirit. Therefore, it’s pretty important to know the third person of the Trinity.
In the verse above, Jesus taught to His disciples on the night before His crucifixion. John chapters 14–17 are often referred to as the Farewell Discourse. One of the primary emphases of Jesus’ final teaching—the last thing He wanted to be sure they understood before He would be killed and they’d be wondering what to do about this revolution that seemed to be growing—was introducing them to the Holy Spirit.
Who is the Spirit according to the following verses? What key phrases, roles, or activities mentioned by Jesus help you better know the Spirit?
John 14:15–18
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John 14:23–26
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John 15:26–27
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John 16:7–11
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John 16:13–14
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The original Greek word used for the Spirit in these passages is so rich in meaning and nuance that your English translation of the Bible may use any number of reasonable options: “Comforter” (KJV), “Counselor” (NIV, CSB), “Advocate” (NRSV, New Living Translation), or “Helper” (ESV, NASB). All of those names relay the original idea of someone who comes alongside someone else. More specifically, the term was often used in a legal or judicial setting, so the Holy Spirit is someone who was sent to be your personal helper and representative, declaring your freedom from guilt and condemnation, and aiding in your knowledge of truth and acts of righteousness.
How do these passages help you understand your relationship with the Spirit?
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Why might Jesus have wanted His disciples to know those things about the Spirit before He was crucified?
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In closing, read and reflect on Jesus’s final words after His resurrection in Acts 1:1–11. Pray for an awareness of the Spirit’s presence and power.
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