The Promise and Presence
In John 14:15ff (ff means following verses) Jesus has made several statements about The Holy Spirit. We have considered these (Helper, Spirit of Truth) and now move to another statement about the Holy Spirit.
Jesus states in vs. 17 that these followers know The Spirit of Truth while the world does not. But beyond that Jesus makes a statement of fact followed by a promise. Jesus states that this Spirit of Truth is "with" these followers; this is a statement of fact. Then Jesus states that this Spirit of Truth and will be "in" them which is a promise.
Is this a way, Jesus reveals the difference his death and resurrection will have with respect to The Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit, before Jesus' work, in the Old Covenant surely experienced the work of The Spirit in terms of actions with God's people. Whereas Jesus' work in the New Covenant issued forth in The Holy Spirit being 'in" the people of God.
This "in" quality is in contrast to general Jewish thought. Generally Jewish thought is that the Presence of God dwells in The Temple of Jerusalem. Or, God's shekinah presence dwelt where 10 people gathered to pray or 2 assemble to study Torah (Every Man's Talmud, 43-44). But it will be true that God's Spirit will be "in" His people.
REFLECT: When you consider the person of The Holy Spirit do you regularly think of. this being an internal presence? How can we affirm this internal presence each day?