The Comforter: What Jesus Promised the Spirit Would Do
18 June 2025 · 1 min read · Understanding the Bible
On his last night, Jesus made an astonishing claim: it is expedient for you that I go away — better, he said, because the Comforter would come. Whatever the Spirit's ministry is, Jesus rated it above his own continued physical presence.
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The five-fold job description
Jesus itemised the work: he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance (the teacher); he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (the convicter); he will guide you into all truth (the guide); he shall glorify me (the spotlight); and he shall be in you (the indweller).
Notice the direction of the last: the Spirit's ministry is Christ-ward. He does not draw attention to himself but floods light on Jesus — any spirituality that magnifies experiences over Christ has drifted from the Spirit's own agenda.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Living with the Comforter
The word Comforter — Paraclete — means one called alongside: advocate, helper, counsel for the defence. The Christian never enters a room, a diagnosis, or a temptation unaccompanied.
Practise the promises: before reading Scripture, ask the Teacher to teach; in conviction, thank the Reprover for loving honesty; at crossroads, ask the Guide. Jesus said it was better this way. Take him at his word today.
