When we dropped my daughter off for her first year of college, I was full of “last words” that wanted to pop out. Suddenly the eighteen-plus years I’d spent with her didn’t seem like enough preparation. I wanted to remind her of everything — from small, day-to-day things to big, life-guiding principles. Even though I was only a phone call away, leaving her in that dorm room felt like a “last words” kind of moment.
I didn’t let many of those words out. Overwhelming her with instructions and advice on my way out the door didn’t seem wise. So I kept it short and sweet. I told her that I loved her, her dad and I were always around when she needed us, and most importantly that God loved her and was always with her. I took the advice a pastor gave my dad when I was a teenager, “Talk to God about your child more than you talk to your child about your child.” In other words, I prayed.
On the night he was arrested, Jesus spent time with his closest disciples. He knew his death would be traumatic for them and that the time between his death and resurrection would feel like an eternity. He also knew that even after the resurrection he would not be with them in the same way. Jesus had last words he needed to say, but he couldn’t prepare them for everything. And he didn’t have to. The Father was going to send them someone else to give his followers help, guidance, and comfort.
Read
John 14:15–27 (NIV)
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Who would the Father be sending and what would he do?
Reflect
The Holy Spirit is not a supernatural ability given to Christ’s followers to be used however they wish, nor is he a genie to command. He is the Spirit of God and the third person of the Trinity who enables Christ’s followers to live out the will of God.
It is the Greek word paraklētos that Jesus uses here to describe the one the Father is sending, the Holy Spirit. This term is translated “Advocate” in the NIV, but also appears as Helper, Counselor, and Comforter in other translations. The reason for the variety is that none of those words seems to capture all Jesus wishes to communicate about the coming Spirit.[1] For this reason some commentators prefer to use the transliteration “Paraclete” because no English word encapsulates Jesus’ entire meaning.[2]
The Spirit is the Comforter who gives all of Christ’s followers strength and encouragement to move forward in trust and obedience. He is the Helper who is a constant source of wisdom, power, and guidance as we follow Christ. He’s the Advocate who represents the accused. The Spirit is the faithful, constant, reliable presence of Jesus who empowers his followers every step of the way. Jesus is clear that the Spirit will live with and in his disciples. The Father and the Son will make their home with those who love and follow Jesus. Christ is promising a mind-blowing union of human and divine. The Holy Spirit is indispensable to all Christ’s followers, then and now, as they seek to live as Christ lived and accept his call to take the gospel into the world.
Christ Fellowship has laid out a truly audacious vision: our vision is to reduce loneliness, anxiety, and addiction by having meaningful conversations where people experience Christ through us. This is not a vision we can accomplish through human will, even using the most innovative strategies or time-tested tools. This is a vision that will only come to fruition by the power of the Holy Spirit. Which means each of us needs to yield to his influence in our lives, pray for his strength and wisdom, and step out in faith because he is with us and in us.
Some of Jesus’ most important last words were to promise the Paraclete. As his followers, we can experience him now. How will you rely on him today and trust him for the future?
What do you think of Christ Fellowship’s new vision? What excites you about it? What scares you? How will dependence on the Holy Spirit be the key?
[2] Gerald L. Borchert, John 12–21, vol. 25B, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2002), 123.
Respond
As part of our vision, we’re asking people to commit to engage specific people in a series of meaningful conversations this fall. In your prayer time today, pray over some names that come to mind. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.