Waiting for the Holy Spirit in Jesus' Prayer

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Easter Season Third Year

Gospel of John 17:18–23 Waiting for the Holy Spirit

Jesus prayed, saying,

“Father, as you sent me into the world, I also have sent them. I consecrate myself for their sakes, that they also may be sanctified in the truth.

I do not pray for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their testimony. I pray that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you. That they also may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.

The glory that you gave me I have given them, that they may be one, just as we are one. I in them and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one. Then the world will know that you sent me and loved them as you loved me.” (John 17:18–23, third edition)

On Waiting

The waiting for the Holy Spirit is a topic that unites us and leads our thoughts deeply into the message of the Bible. As we approach Pentecost, the focus of our discussion is on the Holy Spirit, the joys he brings, and the transformation he brings in our lives. In a recent study, over 60% of Christians experience the presence of the Holy Spirit strongly at different times in their lives. Before this great celebration, it is important to reflect on the meaning of waiting and its deep spiritual content. Jesus’ prayer in the Gospel of John, especially chapter 17, opens up a profound understanding of the Holy Spirit and his central role in the lives of believers.

Jesus’ Farewell Prayer

Chapter 17 of the Gospel of John offers us a unique opportunity. Jesus prays for his disciples before his arrest, and the prayer reveals the deep connection between the Father and the Son. Jesus does not just pray for his disciples; He also prays for all those who will believe through their message. This reveals the heart of Jesus: he wants future generations to believe in him. His prayer brings with it a hope and expectation that transcends time.

Together and connected

"Father, as you sent me into the world, I also have sent them." This phrase reminds us of Jesus' mission on earth. He calls us to be part of a great plan. The prayer emphasizes the importance of connection. Jesus prays for the unity of his disciples because he understands that this connection is the key to the world knowing him. When believers are together, such as international communities that work for balance and love, we can more effectively bear witness to the love of Jesus.

The role of the Holy Spirit

When we speak of the expectation of the Holy Spirit, we cannot forget his central role. The Holy Spirit comes to guide and support believers. In his prayer, Jesus prepares the disciples to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. He knows they need it to fulfill their great calling.

The Gospel of John says that the Holy Spirit will come to teach us and remind us of everything Jesus said. Believers feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. Jesus’ prayer has given rise to the expectation that the presence of the Holy Spirit is not just a support, but can transform and renew our lives.

 The Son of God and Love

In his prayer, Jesus affirms his position as the Son of God: "The Father and I are one." This is not just a beautiful expression; it is the foundation of our faith. Jesus' position in God's plan is not just a historical foundation, but it emphasizes his special relationship with the Father. He prays that his own may be one, for unity among believers is the key to the world. When we are together and move in the same direction, we can give a powerful witness to his glory.

We live in a time when many things seem far from the expectation of the Holy Spirit. Yet it is important to remember how essential this expectation is. Jesus' prayer offers hope for the future, but it also invites us to look at the present with new eyes. We expect the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. In the verse where Jesus calls the disciples to pray actively, it is important to understand that this also requires dedication and connection with God from us.

Connection with the Father

When Jesus speaks in prayer, he refers to the future life with the Father in glory. This promise brings peace and strength to the challenges of life. We understand that this connection is not based on our own works. Jesus’ saving blood is sufficient, and he has opened the way for us to the Father. We do well to remember that the expectation of life must not be indifferent, but must be present every day. Every moment is an opportunity to experience this connection.

Waiting for the Holy Spirit is an active preparation. Jesus teaches his disciples in his prayer how important it is to prepare to receive spiritual gifts. We ask ourselves how we prepare and wait for the Spirit to work.

The Holy Spirit is not a privilege of just a few. His gifts are meant for each of us. Spiritual gifts, such as the courage to share our faith or the ability to help others, are tools that help us bring hope and change to the world, especially when we are surrounded by uncertainty.

Responsibility and Mission

Jesus reminds us of our responsibility in his prayer. We are to be the light that shines for him in the world. His prayer is a call to do his will. As we wait for the Holy Spirit to work, we must also understand our own role. We can spread his love around us.

Jesus’ prayer in the Gospel of John opens up a profound understanding of the waiting for the Holy Spirit and his role in the lives of believers. The relationship between the Father and the Son is an example of the purpose of our lives. Jesus calls us to be one, and through this relationship our experience of the Holy Spirit can be real.

Let us honor waiting as active, not just passive; let us prepare ourselves and live so that we can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ prayer is not just a historical moment, but a living experience through which we come before God and wait for him to work in us. Let us pray that our lives will be ready to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and that we will be used as his witnesses in this world.