Day 251 – John: Death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God

“But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.” John 16:5-9 NLT

Read John 13:1 to John 21:25

On the third day after Jesus’ death, He rose! His disciples and many eyewitnesses verified this. The reality of the Resurrection changed the disciples from frightened deserters to dynamic leaders in the new church. The Resurrection is the foundation of the Christian faith. Because of this event, we can be changed, just as the disciples were, and have confidence that we will one day be raised to live with Christ forever. The same power that raised Christ to life gives us the ability to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Jesus taught His disciples that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, would come after He ascended into heaven. The Holy Spirit would indwell, guide, counsel, and comfort those who follow Jesus. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ presence and power are multiplied in all who believe, and through Him, we are drawn to God in faith. Knowing the Holy Spirit allows understanding of Jesus’ teachings and experiencing Jesus’ love and guidance as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit so we can be guided, counselled, and comforted. Thank You that we can bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s working in our lives and know that with His presence, we are never alone and always accompanied by You. May we attune our hearts to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Amen.