The Holy Spirit
What did Jesus promise His followers the night before the cross? Not to leave them alone—but to send the Holy Spirit, the Helper who would live in them forever.
“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever; even the Spirit of truth … You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:16–17).
At the time, the disciples understood little about what Jesus taught them the night He was betrayed. But Jesus recognized that they needed to know about the Holy Spirit. He was about to return to Heaven, and they needed to know that the Spirit would be with them “forever.”
The Spirit truly would be God with them, and He would live in them. In fact, they would be filled with the Holy Spirit! Since He’s a person, they could know and have a relationship with Him.
We understand that the Spirit is a teacher who can teach all things (v. 26). He reminds us of the words of the Bible and of what Jesus said. But in addition, He can explain any subject! He is “the Spirit of truth,” so everything He says and does is true.
Jesus also said that even though people in the world may know about God and the Bible, they cannot know the Spirit. They can’t grasp His existence or understand what He does. But for those who believe, the Holy Spirit changes everything. He empowers us and gives us wisdom.
Seek to be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit in your life. Listen to His voice. Let Him guide you, give you His peace, and fill you with His power. Remember, if you’re a believer, the Holy Spirit has been sent to be with you and in you!
Reflection Question: What are you asking the Holy Spirit to explain to you?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word “Helper” (Paraclete) mean in John 14:16?
The Greek is paraklētos, literally “one called alongside”—an advocate, counselor, or defender who comes to your aid. The same word describes Jesus in 1 John 2:1, so calling the Spirit “another Helper” means one of the very same kind as Jesus Himself.
Is the Holy Spirit a person or an impersonal force?
Scripture treats the Spirit as a person. Jesus uses the personal “He” (John 16:13–14), and the Spirit can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30), lied to (Acts 5:3), and speaks and decides (Acts 13:2)—things only a person can do.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, speak to me. Guide me. Help me hear Your voice more clearly. Use me to impact more lives for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Today's Bible Reading
John 14
Prayer
Holy Spirit, speak to me. Guide me. Help me hear Your voice more clearly. Use me to impact more lives for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Today's Bible Reading
John 14
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