John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

I always thought the commandment from “If you love me, keep my commandments” was both powerful and daunting. But God is faithful. He knows our human frailties and limitations. He came with a plan, even from the foundation of the world. What was his grand plan? What was the answer for us? The Holy Ghost (also see Acts 2:38 which explains how access this great plan).

By taking a closer look at the 14th chaper of John we will obtain greater insight. Let’s walk though the chapter together.

See
-The definition of see isto perceive with the eyes, discern visually. -To discern or deduce mentally after reflection or from information. -To understand.

Our vision does more than show us our surroundings. In fact, weather you know it or not, our ability to see automatically imparts knowledge. For example, if you are out taking a hike in the woods and come across a foot bridge, automatically your eyes are scanning to determine if it seems visually able to support your journey across. Your sight automatically pulls on your other knowledge base or experience to determine if you should even risk the journey. You are able to visually discern and deduce. Your are able to understand what your next step(s) should be. Amazingly, this all occurred in th matter of seconds just from the power of your sight.

The ability to see spiritually is extremely important in the life of the believer.

There are 3 verses in John 14 that talks about this:
-John 14:7, “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.”
–John 14:9, “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast though not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me has seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?”
-John 14:19, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.”

Verse 7 is an example of [see – understand]. Jesus shows them they have seen him to a degree that they should understand just who he is. The were present with him to see first hand the many miracles he performed. The witnessed first hand how he dealt with people. They saw love in action. Because of this intimate experience with Jesus, they should have been able to perceive the Father. And seeing Jesus, they saw the Father. They are one.

Verse 9 is an example of [see – discern].
Let us look quickly at the definition of discern: to perceive or recognize (something); to distinguish (something or someone) with difficulty by sight or with the other senses. At this point in the disciples journey with Jesus, he expected more from them. Jesus had to ask, (I paraphrase here) after all this time together, you still do not recognize me? By seeing me, you have seen the Father, They are one.

It is important to note – in verse 10 goes on to provide some additional context for Philip. Jesus goes on to explain, if you cannot believe (or have bit yet discerned who I am), or if he did not believe the words that he spoke – the same words that came from the Father, he should at least believe the works (miracles) that he has done. Basically, something you have witnessed while you have been with me should have allowed you to discern just who I am.

Verse 19 is an example of [see – perceive with the eye]. Jesus explained (because of his soon coming death, burial, and resurrection) the world would see him no more. But Jesus also provided then with insight regarding their future and comfort. Because he lives they shall live also. In their living, they must carry on the work of Jesus. Just as we must continue to carry the message of Jesus to the world. No, Jesus is no longer physically walking the earth, but he is definitely with us, always.

Taking a deeper look at see. We have 2 options:
1). We can believe Jesus is the Father by the words that he speaks
2). We can believe Jesus is the Father by the works he has done (and continue to do even today),

Bottom line – we must believe!

Just as the disciples were to go on and do greater works that those that Jesus did. We are aslo to walk under this same command. Jesus goes on to say in verse 13 “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” There is power in the name of Jesus. So much so that Jesus promised that when we ask in his name he will do it. But lets be clear here – we must be working the will of God. As we are doing the work he has called us to, whatsoever we ask in his name he will do it. Why? So God gets the glory. This should be the mindset of the believer – use me God so that you get the glory! If we are trying to ask for things that do not bring God glory, I will say your request is not covered under this promise. As God works and moves on our behalf we are to give our testimony along this journey. Our testimony of the goodness of God. Our testimony gives strength and hope to those that hear it (see Revelations 12:11). For if God had done it for us, he can do it for them too.

Learn, Remember
John 14: 23, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

The Comforter or parakletos.
Let’s look at the definition of Comforter – advocate or helper. Paracletos, the Greek word is translated as advocate, In 1 John 2:1 as applicable to Christ. It means properly “one who is summoned to the side of another to help him in a court of justice by defending him. One who is summoned to plead a cause.” Advocate is the proper rendering of the word [Comforter] in every case where it occurs.
Paraclete (the original word): Comforter is the name given by Christ to the Holy Ghost. Paraclete means first advocate, a defender, helper, strengthener, as well as comforter.
The Holy Ghost = The Spirit of Truth.

In John 14:26, Jesus tells us the comforter will teach us all things, and will bring all things back to our remembrance – the things that God has said.

Teacher – one who is able to impart truth and wisdom for life.
Keep this in mind – you cannot claim Jesus as savior if you are not ready to submit to him as teacher.
Nehemiah 9:20: “Though gavest also thy good Spirit to instruct them…”
Luke 12:12: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.”
1 Corinthians 2b “…which things also we speak, not in the word which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth: comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 John 2:27: “…but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him”

It is because of the Holy Ghost or comforter that we are able to recall scripture at those times when we need it most. It is the Holy Ghost that causes you to remember the things that God spoke to your spirit so long ago. It is the Holy Ghost which gives you strength to stand on those memory of that word or promise.

It is the Holy Ghost that allows us to walk in love toward people that do not like or respect us. It is the Holy Ghost that allows us to witness and share our testimony with others. It is the Holy Ghost that gives us wisdom to win souls to Christ.

For these reasons, we need to lean on and trust the indwelling spirit of God (the Holy Ghost). He will teach us all things. Our duty is to take the time to study the word of God, so that the Holy Ghost is able to bring that same word to our remembrance, and to open up our understanding to that word. It then becomes our duty to apply that word to our life and walk according to it.

This is how our faith grows. Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Have a blessed night!