Walking Through Ephesians
“The Helper”
Categories: A Month with JesusThe Helper - John 14
The disciples are bothered by something Jesus said. They’ve left their homes, their families, their jobs, their whole old way of life behind to follow Jesus. He told them in John 13:33, 36 that He was leaving. What does this mean? Is it all over? Will the kingdom then be here? But what is a kingdom without its king? Where is he going, and why can’t they go along too?
What follows in John 14-16 is a long message to the Apostles meant to help explain, comfort, and encourage them about His departure. Chapter 14 gives us two thoughts of comfort: Jesus will return (v. 1-6), and they will not be alone (v. 16-31).
When Jesus leaves, He will send to them His Spirit. This is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has always existed. We see Him on the first page of the Bible (Gen. 1:2). Here Jesus is describing the special role/function the Spirit will take once Jesus ascends back to Heaven. Much of this chapter’s application regarding the Spirit is directed specifically to the Apostles. For instance, v. 26 was for the apostles, not us. We learn God’s will through reading and studying the Scriptures (Eph. 3:1-5). The Apostles didn’t have the written word, thus the Spirit would miraculously give them the knowledge of what Jesus taught.
Though the specific application of the Spirit’s work may not apply to us today, that doesn’t mean that the Holy Spirit is irrelevant to us. Much of the Spirit’s work is related to revealing the Will of God to us (1 Cor. 2:10-13). We have the Spirit to thank for the Bible we have today (2 Pet. 1:20-21).
Romans 8 is a rich text regarding the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul teaches that He dwells in us (v.9), leads us (v. 14), and helps us with our prayers (v. 26). No, He’s not giving us truth apart from the Scripture. No, He’s not prompting us through our emotions and feelings. No, He’s not helping us find parking spots or making sure the traffic lights turn green. But He is active today. He is working through the words He revealed to shape our hearts, and help guide us on our path home. It’s comforting to know how active God is on our behalf.
Almighty Father, today I praise You for Your Spirit. He works in ways beyond my understanding. I am amazed how He worked through the men of old, the prophets, the preachers – in revealing Your message. I know and trust that He is active today, and it is a comfort to know it. Help me to bear His fruit, to show that I am listening and following Your words.
