Jesus promised the disciples He would send another Comforter (or Helper) when He ascended back to heaven.
15) "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16) And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17) the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:15-17 NKJV
The word Helper is translated Comforter in the King James Version. The Greek word for Comforter or Helper is ‘paraklētos’ which means intercessor, consoler, advocate, comforter, and it’s origin comes from the Greek word parakaleó which means to called to one’s aid, as in the case of a legal attorney.
The first thing we should notice is the Comforter has been sent to help us, console us, intercede for us, and be an advocate on our behalf. This is already good news, since we all need much help.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus continually emphasized the significance of the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of His disciples. He continued to underscore this vital point up until He ascended to heaven.
Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.
Luke 24:49
8) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. 9) Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Acts 1:8-9
Jesus Was Anointed By the Holy Spirit
The ministry of Jesus was empowered and accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit, so He understood how imperative it would be for us to have this Mighty Comforter and Divine Helper in our lives.
“how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” Acts10:38
Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region. Luke 4:14
But if I [Jesus] cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Matthew 12:28
Since Jesus needed the Holy Spirit to accomplish His earthly ministry, we will also need the same Holy Spirit to help us fulfill our calling and purpose in Christ.
Who is the Holy Spirit? What is His role in the life of the believer? How can we cooperate with Him in a greater measure?
We will begin to find scriptural answers to these questions next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless and keep you.
James Brown
CST 11/13/2023