The Holy Spirit Came at Pentecost
Posted on May 14, 2024 by Shari Van Baale
This Sunday is Pentecost. We commemorate the birth of the church and wear red.
The Gospel for this Sunday is John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15. We celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, sometimes called the Advocate or Helper.
The disciples were sad that Jesus was leaving, but he tells them not to despair, for he needs to leave so the Advocate can come.
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
Jesus describes the difference the Spirit will make in their lives to the disciples.
“And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”
Jesus reassures the disciples that even though he will not be with them physically, the Spirit will take his place.
“When the Spirit of truth comes … he will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”
He tells them he will be leaving, but the Holy Spirit will remain with them always. He would no longer be with them physically, but his presence will always remain, just like the Holy Spirit always remains with us.
Shari Van Baale
Salem Communications Coordinator