The Holy Spirit

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:25-27

Why is the Holy Spirit an important character in the Easter story?

Did he play a role?  
Was he there?

Yes, he played a role - for those who wanted to see him.  Of course he was there - he has always been there.  The Holy Spirit has lived in us, through us, and around us since man was created in the garden.

But now he is coming, in a different way than he had before.  

So how is he significant in this story?

Isn't it important that Jesus, after being anointed - after beginning the Passover meal, after washing his disciples' feet - isn't it important that he talked about the Comforter now? 

Isn't it important that he promised peace . . . now?

The disciples and those who were around him did not fully understand just how bad things were going to get in the next few days.  They did not understand the pain, agony and grief they were all going to suffer.  

But of course, Jesus did.  

The Holy Spirit IS an important part of this story.  Because while Jesus knew that he was going to be leaving his loved ones for a little while, he wasn't leaving forever.  And he wasn't leaving them alone.  Another piece of him, another piece of God the Father, was going to come and stay with them, and offer them peace and comfort.  He was coming to live among them, every bit as much as Jesus had lived among them.

Make sure you understand this.  The Holy Spirit came to live among us, just as Jesus did.  He may be unseen, but he is very real.  He is living and breathing, working and sharing, loving and caring.  Just like Jesus.

But also, importantly, the Holy Spirit brought comfort and peace to Jesus himself during this time.  Could anyone really have gone through what he went through without the comfort of the Holy Spirit?  Could anyone have agonized like that without his hope?  Without his love?  Without his promise?

The Holy Spirit is an intimate part of the Easter story, because he is an intimate part of Christ himself.  We'll see how he moves and works throughout these days of Easter.  I'll keep coming back to him, and hopefully showing you how important he truly is.