A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER JUST LIKE THE ORIGINAL

One of the wonders of Christ sending the Holy Spirit after His ascension to “be with [us] forever” is that He will continue the work of Christ in us (John 14:16).  In this blog, I want to look at one of the many aspects of the Spirit’s work in the absence of Jesus.  This will help us understand why Jesus said, “It is to your advantage that I go away” (16:7), meaning that He would ascend to the Father and send the Spirit.

In speaking of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, “He will teach you all things” and “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth” (14:26; 16:13).

While Jesus was here, they followed Him and sat under His teaching in many situations.  He instructed them to let His words “abide” in them (15:7).  With His departure to be with the Father (13:1; 16:28), He wanted to assure the disciples that they would not be left alone as “orphans” (14:18).  In sending the Spirit, the teaching of Jesus continues with the same authority (16:13) and detail (14:26).  In addition, the Spirit is not limited to a physical body as Jesus was.

Why have we leaned on the academic teachings of men more than the Holy Spirit?  One thing is clear; His presence in us is not governed by our degree of education, social status or possessions we have.  I have developed the habit of asking Him to teach me in my quiet time with the Lord each morning.  I commend this habit to you.