Given Holy Spirit

We have two facing questions before us, related to the giving of the Holy Spirit to the disciples, before Jesus' death. But why does Jesus do this? Why does He give them the Holy Spirit at this point?

Advisedly, before we advance with this, there are some necessary, in fact crucial facts, which ought to be clearly and emphatically stated. They tell us and remind us of the fact that Jesus did not simply spring the Holy Spirit upon His disciples. Jesus was a fantastic Teacher and He had been introducing and speaking about the Holy Spirit prior to this experience. Please remember that these are all taking place before Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.

Promise of the Holy Spirit

Jesus is speaking to His disciples about His leaving them and they are super upset and sad. He then makes a promise to them. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. John 14: 16 – 17a. Jesus has promised to ask Father God to send the Spirit of Truth to help His believers.

 Presence of the Holy Spirit

Jesus also is very open and plain when He tells His disciples that the world cannot accept the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. The reason why they cannot accept Him is that they do not see Him and they do not know Him. Jesus quickly goes on to let them know, to confirm this truth in them. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. John 14: 17b. Jesus has made it clear that they know the Holy Spirit, because He lives with them and soon He will be in them. Jesus has made them the promise to ask Father God to send the Spirit of Truth to help His believers.

Position of the Spirit

Jesus is most candid with them and lets them know the position of the Holy Spirit, as it stands.  Nevertheless, I tell you: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16: 7. The Holy Spirit will never come while Jesus is still there with them in flesh. The position is this; if Jesus leaves and returns to Heaven, the Holy Spirit will come to them.

Publication of the Holy Spirit

Jesus informs them of the work and witness of the Holy Spirit in publicizing Him as Lord. The Holy Spirit is not coming to show up Himself, talk about Himself, or draw attention to Himself. No! The Holy Spirit comes to lift Jesus high, to bring the things of Jesus to light and keep them in the light of our understanding and remembering. But when the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. John 15: 26. The Holy Spirit has come to witness to Jesus.

Produce of the Holy Spirit

Jesus boldly assures His servants that the Holy Spirit will produce words in them, speech when they have to face trials. And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13: 11. Learned or unlearned, as disciples of Jesus, the Holy Spirit will produce speech in you.

Now we are further ready and more informed to receive as we are given.