The Holy Spirit Came as Promised – Family Devotion – May 24, 2021

Read: John 14:25-27

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.
John 14:26

The Holy Spirit Came as Promised

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Every year, Josh looked forward to a special visit from his grandpa. Grandpa was a great fisherman, and Josh wished that someday he’d learn to be just as great at fishing as Grandpa was. It was a special kind of fishing that used very special lures, called “flies.” Some of them looked like little bugs, others like giant dragonflies, but each one of them was special, because Grandpa had made them by hand. Josh always wished that Grandpa would teach him how to make them, too. “Someday…” Grandpa promised, “when you’re a little bit older….”

Promises mean alot to people who love one another, like grandpas and grandsons. When promises are made, it is important that they aren’t broken. Until the promise is kept, we need to be patient and trust in the love of the person who made that promise.

Jesus’ love for his disciples was greater than any other love. Just before he died on the cross, he promised that he would someday send them a gift. It was a gift that would keep them connected to him forever. That gift was the Holy Spirit. This person of the Holy Trinity teaches us about God and reminds us of what Jesus has done for us. The Holy Spirit reminds us that Jesus always keeps his promises. When Jesus promises to forgive us, he forgives us! When Jesus promises us eternal life in heaven, we have eternal life! Can Jesus be trusted? “YES!” the Holy Spirit says.

Every year, Josh wondered when Grandpa would keep his promise. And Grandpa did… just not in the way Josh expected. One day, Grandpa said, “If you want to learn, you need something to get you started.” Grandpa then handed to Josh his whole box of fishing flies. “These are all yours now!” Grandpa exclaimed. Josh received far more than he expected! All of his grandpa’s love and more.

On Pentecost, we get to celebrate Jesus’ great gift of the Holy Spirit. He sends the Holy Spirit into our hearts so that we never forget how much he loves us. The Father, the Son, and the Spirit work together to remind us what Jesus did for us when we died on the cross and rose again on Easter. As we grow in our faith every day, Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit “will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” Thank you, God, for loving us so much that you keep all your promises and keep our faith strong!

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, God, for keeping every one of your promises. Because of the Father’s love, the Son’s work, and the Spirit’s power, I know the truth of your Good News. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Name three people who talk to you about God.
• Father, Son, or Holy Spirit—which person of the Trinity did Jesus promise to send on Pentecost?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit on the night before Good Friday. What sort of events might confuse the disciples in the days that would follow?
• The Holy Spirit’s job is to remind us of what Jesus says and promises. What is your favorite promise from Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jesus speaks about his Father, himself, and the Holy Spirit all working together. Today’s devotion tells the single most important goal that the Triune God has for each one of us. What is it?
• Jesus calls the Holy Spirit an “advocate.” What does an advocate do? What does that mean for you?

Hymn: CW 186:1,3 – O Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God

O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God,
Revealer of God’s holy Word,
You come to us from God’s great throne,
From God the Father and the Son,
O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God.

O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God,
Increase our faith in our dear Lord;
Teach us to know the Father’s love
And his dear Son, who reigns above,
O Spirit of life, O Spirit of God.