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8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. 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.
John 14:8-17
As we celebrate Pentecost, we remember the powerful moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, filling them with boldness, unity, and divine fire. But to understand the meaning of Pentecost, we need to go back to a quiet, emotional conversation between Jesus and His disciples the night before His death, found in John 14:8–17.
This passage offers both a challenge and a comfort. It reminds us of the human longing to see and know God, and it reveals Jesus’ response to that longing—not only in Himself, but in the gift of the Holy Spirit, the one He calls “another Helper.”
1. “Show us the Father” — The Longing for God (vv.8–11)
Philip’s plea is familiar: “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” It is the cry of the human heart. We want proof. We want a clear, visible sign of God’s presence and love. And yet Jesus responds with gentle correction: “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?”
Jesus reveals that to see Him is to see the Father. He is not merely a messenger or prophet; He is the living expression of God. His words are the Father’s words. His miracles are the Father’s works. His love, mercy, and truth are the very heart of God.
But Jesus also knows the disciples are about to face a great loss. Soon He will no longer be with them in the flesh. Their faith will be tested. And so, He prepares them for what’s next by making a powerful promise: the Holy Spirit.
2. The Promise of the Spirit (vv.15–17)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”
The Greek word Jesus uses for “Helper” is Parakletos, which is rich in meaning. It can be translated as Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, or Helper. The Holy Spirit is all of these things. He doesn’t come merely to assist us in ministry, but to abide with us—to live within us, lead us into truth, and empower us to live like Christ.
Jesus makes it clear that the Spirit is not just a temporary gift: “He will be with you forever.” This is not a fleeting visitation; it’s a permanent indwelling. The Spirit is not just beside us—He is in us.
Jesus also says the Spirit is “the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him.” This is significant. The Spirit is not recognized by those who are closed to God. But for those who love Christ and follow Him, the Spirit is deeply familiar. Jesus says, “You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
This is the miracle of Pentecost: God’s presence moving from temple to tabernacle to human heart.
3. Pentecost: The Fulfillment of the Promise
In Acts 2, we see the dramatic fulfillment of Jesus’ promise. Fifty days after the resurrection, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is poured out. A mighty wind fills the room. Tongues of fire appear. The disciples speak in other languages. The Church is born.
This is not just a spiritual event; it is a world-changing moment. The timid become bold. The scattered become unified. The fearful become fearless witnesses. The Spirit brings life, clarity, conviction, and power.
It’s important to remember: Pentecost is not just a celebration of a historical event. It’s a reminder that the Holy Spirit is still active, still filling believers, still moving in power. The same Spirit who filled Peter and John fills us today.
4. The Spirit’s Work in Us Today
What does this mean for us, now? It means we are never alone. Jesus said He would not leave us as orphans. The Spirit assures us of our identity as children of God. He comforts us in sorrow, corrects us when we stray, and gives us strength when we are weak.
The Spirit also brings truth. In a world full of confusion and false voices, the Holy Spirit teaches us to discern, to understand God’s Word, and to live according to the truth. He reminds us of Jesus’ words and helps us keep His commandments—not out of duty, but out of love.
And finally, the Spirit empowers. We are not called to live the Christian life in our own strength. The Spirit gives us spiritual gifts, boldness to witness, and grace to love. He turns ordinary people into carriers of God’s presence.
Conclusion: A Pentecost Prayer
As we reflect on John 14 and celebrate Pentecost, let us open our hearts anew to the Holy Spirit. Let us invite Him not just to visit us, but to dwell fully within us.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, we thank You for Your presence and power. Thank You for being our Comforter, Advocate, and Guide. Fill us again—renew our minds, heal our hearts, and set us on fire with Your love. Help us to know Jesus more, obey Him more, and reflect Him more. On this Pentecost, we welcome You. Amen.
The Most Rev Gilbert Rateloson
Primate of the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean
