Jesus tells his friends about the Holy Spirit
(From the Gospel of John, chapter 14)
Jesus had supper with his friends on the night before he died. He knew it was the last time they would see each other on earth, so he talked to them about many things.
This is one thing he told them: "Soon I will be going to be with God in heaven and to get a place ready there for all of you. Then we will all be together: you, me, and God."
Thomas asked, "Jesus, how will we know the way to find you and God?"
Jesus said, "I am the way to God. If you know me, you will know God, too."
Philip said, "Jesus, please show us what God looks like. Then we won't be so scared."
Jesus replied, "Philip, look at me." Philip and all the other disciples looked at Jesus.
Jesus said, "God and I are so close, that God is in me, and I am in God. When I speak, it is God who is speaking. When I do anything, it is God doing it through me. You must believe this."
Philip sighed and shook his head. "I am trying to believe, Jesus, I really am! But it is so hard to understand who God is."
Jesus smiled at his friend. "Then pay attention to what I have been doing, with God's help. Remember all the people who have been healed because they know me. Remember all the people who have found joy and hope because of me."
Philip said, "What you have done has been truly amazing, Jesus!"
Jesus turned to look at all his friends. "I am telling you the truth, so listen carefully: anyone who believes in me will be able to do what I have done."
His friends looked at him. "You've got to be kidding, Jesus! How can we heal the way you do? How can we teach about God the way you do?"
Jesus replied, "You will do these things – and more! You will do it with the help of the Holy Spirit. God will give you the Holy Spirit to be in you forever. The Holy Spirit will teach you everything you need to know about God. The Holy Spirit will help you remember all that I have said to you."
Then Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not be afraid."
Questions to think and pray about:
Have you ever been afraid? How did you stop being afraid?
What do you know about God because you know Jesus?
How would you describe the Holy Spirit?
How do you know when the Holy Spirit is in you, or with you?