Your Advocate – June 10, 2022
Read: John 14:23-27
[Jesus said], “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 14:26-27
Your Advocate
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The title and today’s reading have a word that you might not know—advocate. An advocate is someone who speaks up for you, defends you, watches out for you, makes sure you’re okay. Your family, especially your mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa would likely be great at sticking up for you. Friends, brothers and sisters, your teachers, or perhaps a neighbor who knows you well could be great advocates.
These verses talk about the best advocate of all—the Holy Spirit. Jesus was talking to his disciples shortly before he was going to suffer on the cross. He spent a lot of time teaching the disciples so that they would be ready to go out and tell others about him. There was a lot to tell them, and they had a lot to learn. Jesus told them that he wouldn’t be with them in person. This might have made them afraid or worried. Jesus told them so many things in these two verses. He’s telling us those things, too.
- The Holy Spirit would teach them what they need to know and remind them of everything Jesus had been teaching them. (Phew! They didn’t have to know all the answers!)
- They didn’t need to worry because Jesus is their peace. There’s peace that you find sitting in a quiet spot after a very busy day. That’s not the peace he spoke about. The best peace of all is knowing that sins are forgiven, and you are God’s child.
- They (and we) didn’t need to be afraid. Jesus wouldn’t be walking around with them like he had the past couple of years, but he’d still be with them and he’s always with us.
Like the disciples, there is a lot going on all around us. It is easy to get overwhelmed or worried. Jesus reminds us that we don’t need to be afraid. He promises us that the Holy Spirit will teach us too. He teaches us when we read the Bible or listen to a Bible story or devotion. He’s our advocate who teaches us and watches over us and helps us stay close to God. Best of all, he gives us the best peace of all—his peace. Because Jesus is our peace!
Closing Prayer:
Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for working faith in our hearts and helping us to grow in faith. Thank you for the peace we have knowing we are your dearly loved children. In your name, 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
- Today you heard the word “advocate.” What does it mean?
- The Holy Spirit is your greatest advocate. As you learn about God, he makes your faith grow. What prayer could you say to ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in faith?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Share a place that is so peaceful it’s your favorite place. What is it about that place that makes it so peaceful?
- There have been a lot of troubling things on the news lately. How does the peace Jesus gives help you when worry or fear creeps in?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- Discuss the something that you’ve been worried about this week. How does Bible time with your family help you?
- Family can help. Friends can help. Teachers and others can help. How is God’s help different? How does this help you grasp the peace that God gives you?
