Discover the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in teaching and reminding us, as promised by Jesus in John 14:25-26, and how this guides our Christian journey.
John 14:25-26 — The Teacher — Aneel Aranha
Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 14:25-26. Listen.
[Jesus said:] “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
Jesus has been teaching his apostles many things in preparation for his departure, but he knows they will need help to understand and remember his teachings after he is gone. That's where the Holy Spirit comes in.
Jesus promises that the Father will send the Holy Spirit in his name. He calls the Holy Spirit the "Advocate," which can also be translated as "Comforter" or "Helper." The Holy Spirit will be with the disciples, helping them in Jesus' absence.
Specifically, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will teach the disciples everything and remind them of everything Jesus has said. It means that the disciples will not be left to their own understanding but will have the very Spirit of God guiding them into truth.
The Holy Spirit will teach us, too. How? One way is through illuminating the Scriptures. As we read God's Word, the Holy Spirit helps us to understand its meaning and apply it to our lives. The Spirit gives us insight that we could not gain on our own.
The Holy Spirit also teaches us through the life experiences and circumstances that God allows in our lives. As we go through challenges and trials, the Spirit helps us to see God's hand at work and to learn the lessons God wants to teach us.
How does the Holy Spirit remind us of Jesus' teachings? One way is by bringing Jesus' words to our minds when we need them. In moments of temptation, for instance, the Spirit may remind us of Jesus' teachings on righteousness. In moments of discouragement, the Spirit may remind us of Jesus' promises of hope and peace.
The Spirit also reminds us of Jesus' teachings through the witness and encouragement of other believers. As we fellowship with other Christians, we may hear them share insights from Jesus' teachings that we had forgotten or never fully grasped.
This promise of the Holy Spirit's teaching and reminding work is a great comfort. This means we are not left to navigate the Christian life based on our wisdom and strength. We have the very Spirit of God living within us, guiding us into all truth.
As we reflect on these verses, let's ask ourselves: Are we relying on the Holy Spirit to teach us and remind us of Jesus' words? Are we attentive to the Spirit's guidance in our lives?
God bless you.