Soup for the Soul – April 3, 2025

 

We had another stimulating conversation last Thursday as we spent time discussing the last meal with the disciples featuring Jesus’ washing the disciple’s feet and His statement of to love one another as he loves us. 

 

This week we will get fully into what is called, Jesus Farewell Discourse (Chapters 14-16) where he provides comfort, instruction, and call to mission. It is some of the richest scripture in the entire Bible as Jesus teaches and prays with his disciples before the High Priestly Prayer (Chapter 17) and his arrest through the betrayal of Judas. 

 

We will be in Part 10, “Father, Son, Spirit, and Church” in our guides. Please read from the Summary through Who Is the Holy Spirit (Pp 84-89). Our Basic Bible reference will be: 

 

John 14:1-31 (Jesus the Way to the Father and the Promise of the Holy Spirit) 

 

Jesus says at 14:16-17, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.” The Greek word translated as “Advocate” here is paracletos. Other translations use “Comforter” (KJV) and “Helper” (NKJV). Maybe the best translation from the Greek is “the one who comes alongside.” Our Question(s) of the Week are: “Does this help you understand who the Holy Spirit is and does it inform you and your faith? Do you see the Holy Spirit’s role differently? Are there practical ways to open yourself to the Holy Spirit?”