Throughout Jesus’ Farewell Discourse, we can sense something of the disciples’ anxiety as Jesus reveals the presence of a traitor in their midst, instructs them concerning his death, and states that he will be departing from them. Jesus speaks directly to their fear and dismay by promising that they will experience the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. In fact, twice in chapter 14 Jesus drives home the point that the Holy Spirit will come to them in a way that will fully make up for the lack of his physical presence with them (vv. 15-18; 25-31).

From the opening words of this discourse, Jesus’ goal has been to encourage and comfort his followers. He promises them a fruitful ministry that will, in many ways, outshine his own in terms of visible impact (vs. 12). He promises that their prayers will be answered (vs. 13). This fruitfulness in ministry and prayer will come as the result of the Holy Spirit’s special presence. Certainly, this is not a blanket promise to all humanity. The powerful and comforting presence of the Spirit is given to the disciples of Jesus; those whose love for Jesus issues forth in obedience (vs. 15).

Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit with a title which can be variously translated as Counselor, Helper, or Advocate. It was a word used in legal settings to refer to one who is “called alongside” a person who needs defense. So the meaning of the title given to the Holy Spirit is not therapeutic but forensic. He is a Divine Advocate, a Helper who defends the people of God. Jesus’ disciples are united to God through Christ by the presence of the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Helper. What a comfort it is for Christians to know this bond can never be broken and that the Spirit of God, present at creation, is ever present with all those who are bound to Christ by faith.