During Jesus’ life, He came alongside the disciples to walk with them, protect them, and teach them the things of God. After His death and resurrection, He ascended into Heaven … but He did not abandon His Disciples. Jesus sent them the Holy Spirit to continue to walk alongside of them, just as He promised.

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 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. John 14:16-17 ESV

The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Holy Trinity; equal to the Father, and just as powerful as the Son. The Holy Spirit now walks with God’s people: protecting them, and teaching them the things of God. He comes alongside of us just as Jesus did with the disciples!

One of the names that Jesus gives the Holy Spirit in the Gospel of John is Paraclete. That is a Greek word that means to come alongside somebody, to comfort them, to help them. In English, this word gets translated in many different ways, including Helper, Comforter, Defender, Counselor, and Advocate. All these words help us to understand the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, Defender, Counselor, and Advocate. Just as Jesus came alongside the Twelve disciples, so now the Holy Spirit comes alongside of you, and remains with you throughout your life.

The Crucified, Risen and Ascended Lord Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to be your Paraclete. The Holy Spirit comes alongside of you to help, comfort, and defend you throughout your life. He is the Spirit of Truth, who strengthens your faith and gives you assurance through the Word of God.

Amen