May 2 / John 12:1-19

John 12:1-19

His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about Him and had been done to Him. (v. 16) During Jesus’ Last Supper discourse He tells His disciples about the Holy Spirit and that the Father will send the Holy Spirit to the disciples: But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26) Here is one instance of that promise being fulfilled.

There are about a dozen items in that Last Supper discourse of Jesus explaining the Holy Spirit (John 14-16). Two years ago for Creative Arts Camp Kelly had asked me to speak on the Holy Spirit from those three chapters. I compiled the following list of Holy Spirit attributes and activities that Jesus mentions in those three chapters:

1. He abides with and in the disciples. (14:17)
2. The “world” cannot see Him or know Him. (14:17)
3. He will teach you, He will remind you (14:26)
4. The Helper proceeds from the Father. (15:26)
5. He is the Spirit of truth. (15:26)
6. He will testify about Jesus. (15:26) In and to our hearts…!
7. He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment (16:8)
8. More specifically for the disciples (16:13-14)
   1. He will guide the disciples into all the truth.
   2. He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak.
   3. He will disclose to the disciples what is to come.
   4. He will glorify Jesus.
   5. He will take of Mine (My words) and will disclose it to you.

Later on I pondered those promises and sought to see instances in my life where the Holy Spirit had been active. It’s an excellent exercise – I’d encourage you to do the same!

See also: August 26 / John 12:1-11; August 30 / John 12:12-19