Takeaways
In this passage from the upper room discourse, Jesus tells His followers about the Spirit and about Himself:
The Spirit …
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He was “another” helper (16) – another of the same kind as Jesus.
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He would be a “helper” (16) – similar to how Jesus has interacted with the disciples.
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He was the “Spirit of truth” (17) – anchored in and revealer of truth.
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He would be “sent by the Father” (16, 26) – not ministering on His own accord but in keeping with the Father’s plan.
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He would be sent “In Jesus’ name” (26) – in the authority of and connected with the life and ministry of Jesus.
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He would “teach” (26) – He has an active role in the lives of Jesus’ followers, helping them understand.
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He would bring Jesus’ word “to remembrance” (26) – He helps Jesus’ followers recall and embrace what they’ve learned from Jesus.
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He was already known by Jesus’ followers (17) – their life with Jesus would be enriched and deepened by the Spirit.
Himself …
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He will ask on behalf of His followers (16) – Jesus’ ministry to His followers will not end, He will be praying for them.
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He will not leave them (18, 28) “Going” doesn’t mean leaving or abandonment but more about attending to another related task.
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Because He lives, so will they (19) – they will come to understand huge implications in their own lives.
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They will know He is in them (20) – the relationship will change but not end.
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He will disclose Himself to them (21, 23) – The Father, Son and Spirit will set up their home in them.
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He gives them peace (27) – peace can be bestowed and Jesus is gifting them a settledness of heart.
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He tells them all of these things to encourage their believing (29) – their trust will help things become more and more clear.
All these things are true for followers of Jesus TODAY! Don’t settle for a lesser experience. There’s nothing for us to do but lean into this kind of life!
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Reflection Prompters / Exercises
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Read through what Jesus reveals about the Spirit. What are you coming to see about your relationship with the Spirit?
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Read through what Jesus reveals about Himself. What are you coming to see about your relationship with Jesus?
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Jesus and the Spirit carry out the Father’s plan. What are you coming to see about your relationship with the Father?
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How can you lean further into the reality of the Father, Son, and Spirit in your life?
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What would a personal application of this message look like for you?