36. John 14:15-31 The Promise of the Holy Spirit

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

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26 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.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

• God desires a love that is shown through obedience. God honors love for Jesus expressed through obedience and reveals more of Himself to those who love Him (v. 15, 21, 23, 31).
• God desires a close, personal relationship with us (v. 16-17). 
• The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, Helper, and Teacher who dwells with believers, guiding them, reminding them of Jesus' teachings, and empowering them to live according to God's will (v. 16, 17, 26, 27).
• God gives a peace that is true and lasting, unlike anything the world can offer.

• We are called to love Jesus and obey His commandments.

• We need the Holy Spirit to lead, teach, and give us the strength to live the way God wants.

• We need the presence of the Holy Spirit to remain constantly connected to Jesus in our lives.
  
  

• The Greek word Paraclete (Paraklētos) can be translated as 'Helper,' 'Advocate,' or 'Comforter,' emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in supporting, guiding, and comforting believers.
  
  
• This was a radical promise in a first-century Jewish context where God’s presence was associated with the temple. Jesus was inaugurating a new covenant reality: God's presence would now dwell in His people through the Spirit, fulfilling prophecies like Ezekiel 36:27 : "I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."
  
  
• In this passage, Jesus speaks of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit, revealing the intimate fellowship of the Trinity. The Father sends the Spirit at the Son’s request (v. 16), and the Spirit comes in the name of Jesus (v. 26), continuing the ministry of Christ. This shows us that God’s work in salvation is deeply communal and unified. 

What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?