In his last few days before his crucifixion, Jesus did a lot of talking to his apostles and his other followers about what they should expect after he departed.
He said:
“My friends, I must leave you but I will not leave you desolate. I will send my Spirit of Truth, the Comforter, after I am gone and he will teach you, guide you, and reassure you just as I have done during my life with you in the flesh.
I have represented and portrayed our Heavenly Father to all humanity and my Spirit of Truth will continue to do this. I have so truly represented the nature and behavior of our Heavenly Father that all who know me also know our Father and all who love me and follow my teachings are also loving our Father and doing his will.
“My Spirit of Truth will be able to relate with every person at all places, at all times and even continuously. Through my spirit, you will have more access to me after I have departed than before.”
The apostles did not understand these statements about Jesus’ Spirit of Truth until Pentecost when this spirit of Jesus returned to earth with such spiritual power that it startled his followers in the upper room. This spirit roused his depressed and discouraged apostles and overcame their sense of loss. Invigorated and confident, they went forth preaching, “He is risen, he lives, he has overcome death and has shown us all the way to God and to life everlasting.” And they preached and taught with power and conviction like they had never known before. And just as Jesus promised, his Spirit of Truth and its power has remained continuously present and available to lead, advise and comfort all lovers of Jesus for all times.
