The Gospel Of John – Jesus’ Last Hours – The Last Supper –The Promise of the Holy Spirit after Jesus

It is Thursday evening, and the crucifixion will happen on Friday.  Jesus is meeting with his disciples in the last meal, and in it, giving them instructions and assurances, and again predicting his death.  Much of this did not register with the disciples, as indicated by their responses upon his arrest and desertion after the sham trial.  But Jesus has some final lessons for his disciples, which will shape them and the early church after his resurrection and departure to heaven.  He has warned of Judas’ betrayal, and Peter’s impending denials.  Now he addresses three questions: where are you going? Show us the Father?  And what about your work left in the world?  All these questions coming amidst confusion and fear.

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.  John 14:25-27.

1. God’s Third Person – the Holy Spirit – the Big Change.    Biblical teaching is consistent, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament.  God is One in essence and three in person: Father, Son, and Spirit.  Each person is fully God.  Jesus now explains more fully this Trinity: this third Person of the Godhead lives with you and will be in you.  John 14:17.  This was not known before in the history of God in our world.  The Spirit would appear or enable for temporary times and needs, but never indwelling until after the cross. 

2 Timothy 1:14.  Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
Ephesians 2:22.  in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

1. God the Spirit Described – the Ultimate Advocate.  Here the Spirit of God is described as Counselor or Advocate – a favorite of mine since that is the work I do as a lawyer.  The Spirit of God goes before us, interceding, making our path true to the Kingdom, advocating with contrary opinions, encouraging in lives that are counting for eternity, of reminding us and teaching us of the ways of Jesus.  I love also the parallel imagery in James: Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the Spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?  James 4:5.  Do you see it?  You have God Himself through the Spirits who loves us, directs us, encourages us, desires to the point of envy to be part of our lives.  This is one of the most intimate and encouraging pictures of the work of God in our lives in the whole of the New Testament.  Remember this strategic ministry: 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

1. Results of Spirit Ministry.  Some would try to measure the work of God or the Spirit in our lives by physical or spiritual acts – seeking the miracles and gifts of the spirit, speaking in tongues, charismatic behavior.  But that is not the work of the Spirit today.  Today the Spirit of God gives us two things: first, the lead in our life as our Advocate or Counselor; and secondly, a direction and conviction that our life has eternal meaning and a peace and conviction that crowds our confusion and fear.

• 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.  John 14:25-27.

Life is not easy.  It comes with changes, surprises, at times huge losses, and easily results in fear and confusion for the disciple.  That is why we can both ask God for Wisdom, and rely on His work through the Holy Spirit for direction and meaning.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  James 1:2-5.

In these last hours of Jesus’ instruction to his disciples, He leaves them – not alone, not abandoned, not punished for their failures or lack of faith – but with assurances of the continuing presence and work of God in their lives.  Great things to reflect on this week.  Stay well.

– John Moore