The Helper
In our journey of The Path To Pentecost we find that Jesus gave a good deal of instruction to his followers about The Holy Spirit. These instructions are most concentrated in The Gospel of John in chapters 14-16.
What is so significant about the instructions (John 14-16) Jesus gives about The Holy Spirit (and other subjects) is that they are given on the last night of Jesus earthly life. One would surely understand that what a person says to one's friends at the end of life are of critical importance. This is no less true for Jesus.
Jesus has already shared that he will ask the father to send another helper (see May 18 blog). Moreover, we need to understand what Jesus means by "helper." The use of the term in 14:26 clarifies that Jesus is referring to The Holy Spirit.
But what does the term "helper" mean? The term is the Greek term "parakletos." The basic meaning of the term means 'someone called to the side of another.' This suggests someone to come to our side to help, thus the term "helper" is often the translation preference.
But "parakletos" has a much richer meaning as one who is called to one's side to plead in their behalf. This is why some translations use the word "advocate." And this term is likely close to the idea of defense attorney.
Whatever nuance one decides is best the clear meaning of the term is someone who is called to your side to assist and help you. What a marvelous truth Jesus is teaching. Here we understand that God is "for us" and has someone that comes to our side to aid and help us. Wonderful!!!
REFLECT: Why would one not want to be on the Path To Pentecost to more fully experience the "Helper?" How can this one, "called to be by your side," help you today?