“I WILL NOT ABANDON YOU AS ORPHANS”

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. ” – John 14:15-18.

Jesus’s disciples were understandably distressed by His impending departure, as they were about to lose their teacher and leader. In His farewell discourse, Jesus assured them that He would not leave them orphaned, but would send “another Helper” (the Holy Spirit) to be with them forever. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things and remind them of everything He had said, one of which was I will not abandon you as orphans.

In New Testament times, orphans described children left without a father or mother. In today’s world, the word orphan has exactly the same meaning. It refers to a child who is abandoned due to the death or desertion of a father or mother. Once orphaned, the child is deprived of parental care, supervision, and protection — unless that child is placed in the custody of a blood relative or a new guardian who assumes a parental role in that child’s life.

However, in New Testament times, orphans were used in a broader sense to describe students abandoned by their teacher. Just as children depend on their parents, these students relied on their teacher to teach them, guide them, and prepare them for life. Jesus was a spiritual father to the disciples. He knew they were completely reliant upon Him. Jesus knew the disciples couldn’t make it alone in the world. He sent the Holy Spirit to be their new Guardian and Teacher.

You can’t make it alone in this world either — but you don’t have to, because Jesus did not abandon you. He did not desert you, walk out on you, or throw you away. When He ascended to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to care for, guide, and teach you.

Take a moment to let that fully sink in: God did not leave us alone to fend for ourselves. He provided an amazing Helper in the person of the Holy Spirit. We need never be afraid again, or lonely, or hopeless, or sorrowful, or helplessly inadequate, for the Helper is always with us.

Someone is always standing by to assist us no matter what circumstances we face. God has provided every resource we need through His Spirit. When we can’t, He can. When we’re tired, He isn’t; when we’re weak, He’s strong. When we think, “I don’t have the wisdom for this situation, don’t know how to love my prodigal, or I can’t take one more round of hard medical news,” He says that’s why He sent you a Helper.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we be more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in our daily lives? Power?
2. What practical ways can we cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit?