Jesus’ Promise of the Holy Spirit

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

First Edition

Gospel John 15:26–16:4 Waiting for the Holy Spirit

Jesus said:

“You will receive a Helper; I will send him from the Father. He is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father and will testify about me. You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning.

I have told you this so that your faith will not fail. They will put you out of the synagogues. The time is coming when anyone who kills one of you will think that he is offering a service to God. They do this because they have not known the Father or me. I have told you this so that when that time comes, you will remember that I told you about it.” (John 15:26–16:4 First Edition)

The Journey as Evangelists

The journey of Jesus’ disciples as evangelists was full of challenges and uncertainties, but it was also full of great promise and opportunity. As Jesus prepared to leave the earth, he gave his disciples a clear understanding of the challenges ahead. This article focuses on Jesus’ promise of a Helper and how the disciples prepared for the difficulties of their apostolic years.

The Challenges the Disciples Faced

The disciples soon found themselves alone as evangelists in strange cities and countries. Their lives were not easy. All the other disciples except John, who died in old age in Ephesus, experienced martyrdom. We know that Peter was crucified face down in Rome, and Andrew was forced to die on a cross in Asia. This shows how dangerous their journey was, and that it was full of sorrows, worries, and difficulties in making a living. They had to face an unknown and dangerous future. The disciples went through a development that tested their faith. They needed strength and support to move forward. They understood that their own courage was not enough, but they needed something greater.

Jesus’ Promise of an Advocate

Jesus knew that the disciples would need more than human courage. He promised to send them an Advocate, the Spirit of Truth, to support them. This promise was meaningful in the midst of great challenges. In the Gospel of Mark (Mark 13:11), Jesus says: “When they bring you before the authorities, do not be anxious about what you are to say, but speak whatever is given you in that hour.” This promise showed that each disciple would receive God’s power to speak and act in important situations.

The Holy Spirit and the Gifts of Grace

The Bible tells us that the disciples were given special gifts of grace in their ministry. For example, they were able to heal the sick and speak in tongues. They did not need to fear poisonous snakes, for Jesus promised that no harm would come to them (Mark 16:18). These abilities were not just miracles, but strengthened the message of the gospel and the presentation of the kingdom of God on earth. Through spiritual gifts, the disciples not only demonstrated their skills, but they also manifested the work of salvation, even risking their own lives. The power of the Holy Spirit was very important, and it enabled them to operate in an ever-changing and often hostile environment.

The importance of the Holy Spirit today

The martyrdom of the disciples may seem distant, but the influence of the Holy Spirit is still important. The Holy Spirit is not just a historical phenomenon; he continues to work in the hearts of believers and in the church. According to Martin Luther, God gives the Holy Spirit only through his preceding word. This means that the content of the Bible is current and necessary for the strengthening of faith. For example, studies have found that regular reading of the Bible can improve people's spiritual well-being, affecting up to 60% of believers.

The Church and the Holy Spirit

The church acts as a vehicle for the Holy Spirit. Its mission is to present the word of God and the sacraments, which gives believers the opportunity to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit. Without this holy power, the gospel would be impossible for us to live out. Church attendance and the community in which the Holy Spirit gathers us strengthen our faith and encourage evangelization. Together we can share testimonies, experiences, and prayers that create a strong bond among believers.

Examples of New Testament Disciples

When we look at the lives of the first disciples, it becomes clear that they faced many challenges. Peter, the disciple Jesus chose as his leader, experienced wavering faith, but he became one of the founders of the church. His strategy included personal conversations and public speaking. Andrew, Peter’s brother, is also known as the fisher of men. He worked hard for the gospel and brought people to Jesus. This reminds us that each person’s calling is different, but each has an important role in the kingdom of God. The disciples were not perfect, but ordinary people who struggled with faith and doubts. This makes them relatable and encourages us when we face our own challenges.

Encouragement and Power from the Holy Spirit

Preaching the gospel is important today as well. It is not just an ancient tradition, but a vital part of our faith. Jesus gave us the task of sharing the good news with all nations. Through the gospel, we can share the experiences we have received through the Holy Spirit. When we speak about Jesus, we become beings of light who bring hope and peace to our hearts.

When we face trials, we can trust that the Holy Spirit is with us. We do not need to fear the future because we have the promise of God’s presence. The Holy Spirit is our strength and courage. He is the Advocate who helps us face challenges and defend our faith in different situations. That is why it is important to stay connected to God’s word and pray so that we can be open to the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

Conclusion

The disciples’ journey was full of blessings and difficulties. Their courage and commitment are examples for us, but their success would not have been possible without the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ promise of an Advocate gives us more hope than ever before. Spreading the Gospel is an important task, and it can be fulfilled by everyone in their own way. Let us be ready to hear the call of the Holy Spirit and trust that our every step is before God. Let us pray together that we may be strong proclaimers of our faith, like the disciples even in the midst of trials. The Spirit of God is with us, now and always.