#1486. Jesus’ Last Words - On The Holy Spirit (2/4/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional. As we approach Easter, we are reflecting on some of Jesus’ final words from the Last Supper and the Upper Room Discourse in John’s Gospel. 

Loneliness, powerlessness, worry… these afflict all of us. Yet everything would be different if Jesus were physically with us - and, wonderfully, He is with us by His Spirit.

From Jesus’ teaching at the Last Supper, let’s reflect on His promise of the Holy Spirit.

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During the Last Supper, Jesus teaches extensively about the Spirit. Even passages that don’t directly mention Him—such as the vine and the branches—are deeply connected to His presence and ministry.

In His final words, Jesus wants us to understand that the Holy Spirit is central to the Christian life. He is essential to what it means to follow Christ and to live for Him.

Let’s briefly consider the main themes Jesus teaches about the Spirit:

1. John 14:16–17  – Helper - The Spirit as Helper/Advocate who will be with us forever

He is our ‘Advocate’ (paraklētos) - one who comes alongside to help, strengthen, and counsel. He continues the ministry of Jesus in our lives: teaching, correcting, assuring, and helping us.

2. John 14:26  – Teacher - The Spirit will teach and remind us of Jesus’ teachings. 

He’s called ‘the Spirit of truth’ (John 16:3) who will teach and remind us of Jesus’ teaching. His presence and power make it possible to receive the gospel in the first place, and then to grow in understanding of truth. 

3. John 15:26 – Witness - The Spirit testifies about Jesus - and empowers us to do the same

The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus and enables people to come to faith. As we share the gospel, it is the Spirit who applies it to hearts. How encouraging to know that as we testify, so does He—and it is His power that makes our small efforts fruitful.

The Spirit’s witness is carried out through our witness. While good works matter, it is our clear testimony about Jesus that the Spirit uses in a unique and powerful way.

4. John 16:7–15 – Convicter and Revealer - The Spirit convicts, guides into truth, and glorifies Christ

The word “prove” (elenchō) means to expose, convict, and bring to light - showing people their sin in order to lead them to repentance.

The Spirit also guides believers into truth and glorifies Jesus by making Him known.

Response

Let’s listen carefully to Jesus’ last words about the Holy Spirit.

Do we feel alone, powerless, or ineffective? We need to hear His promise: though He has gone away physically, He is with us spiritually. He has given us the abiding presence and powerful ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Our response is threefold:

i. Believe the promiseTrust that the Spirit dwells in you and is at work in you.

ii. Ask for the fullness of the SpiritAsk Jesus to fill you afresh with His Spirit.

iii. Share the gospelThe Spirit promises to testify as we testify—so speak of Jesus with confidence.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we began a short Easter Series - Jesus' Last Words - which is based upon The Upper Room Discourse and Last Supper in John’s Gospel ( (John 13:1–17:26). 

Please read John 13:1-13 and discuss:

• Personal reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• Let Jesus serve us – What does this text teach about how Jesus desires to serve us?

• Let’s serve one another – In what ways are we called to model our service on Jesus’ example?

• Roles and relationships – What roles and relationships has God placed you in, and how can you practically serve like Christ within them?

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Modelling Jesus’ service -  From our text, how does letting Jesus serve us and then serving in His likeness bring Him glory and build bridges to share our faith? 

• Easter services - is there anyone that you intend to invite to our Easter services? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for our upcoming Easter Services. 

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?