The Promise of the Holy Spirit – John 14:15-31

John 14:15-31

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, to be with you for ever, ¹⁷ even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; you know him, for he dwells with you, and will be in you.

¹⁸ “I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you. ¹⁹ Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more, but you will see me; because I live, you will live also. ²⁰ In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. ²¹ He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” ²² Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” ²³ Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. ²⁴ He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.

²⁵ “These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. ²⁶ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things,^[a] and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. ²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe. ³⁰ I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; ³¹ but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go hence.

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

What to do with this educator’s commentary

This commentary invites you as a teacher to engage with and interpret the passage. Allow the text to speak first. The commentary suggests that you ask yourself various questions that will aid your interpretation. They will help you answer for yourself the question in the last words of the text: ‘what does this mean?’

This educator’s commentary is not a ‘finished package’. It is for your engagement with the text. You then go on to plan how you enable your students to work with the text.

Both you and your students are the agents of interpretation. The ‘Worlds of the Text’ offer a structure, a conversation between the worlds of the author and the setting of the text; the world of the text; and the world of the reader. In your personal reflection and in your teaching all three worlds should be integrated as they rely on each other.

In your teaching you are encouraged to ask your students to engage with the text in a dialogical way, to explore and interpret it, to share their own interpretation and to listen to that of others before they engage with the way the text might relate to a topic or unit of work being studied.

Structure of the commentary:

The World Behind the Text

See general introduction to John.

This passage is part of the Farewell Discourse (John 13–17), where Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure. It is deeply pastoral and theological, offering reassurance and guidance for life after His earthly ministry. The focus is on love, obedience, and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

The world of the text

Text Type

• This passage is part of the Farewell Discourse in John’s Gospel (chapters 13–17).
• It is didactic and theological, not narrative. Jesus speaks directly to His disciples, offering teaching, reassurance, and promises.
• The tone is pastoral and intimate, preparing the disciples for His departure.

Textual Features

1. Discourse Structure

• The text is structured as a series of promises and instructions:
  • Love and obedience (vv. 15, 21, 23–24)
  • Promise of the Holy Spirit (vv. 16–17, 26)
  • Gift of peace (v. 27)
  • Assurance of Jesus’ return (vv. 18–20, 28)
• Repetition of key ideas (love, obedience, Spirit) reinforces the message.

2. Repetition and Parallelism

• Phrases like “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” and “Those who love me will keep my word” create rhythm and emphasis.
• This repetition highlights the link between love and action.

3. Symbolic and Theological Language

• Paraclete (Advocate/Helper): A unique Johannine term for the Holy Spirit.
• Peace: Not worldly peace, but the deep peace of union with God.
• Coming and going: Symbolises Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ongoing presence through the Spirit.

4. Direct Speech

• Jesus speaks in the first person, creating intimacy and authority.
• The use of “I” and “you” makes the message personal and relational.

5. Trinitarian Dimension

• Frequent references to the Father, Son, and Spirit show the relational nature of God.
• This passage is foundational for Catholic teaching on the Trinity.

6. Tone and Mood

• The tone is comforting and hopeful, contrasting with the looming reality of Jesus’ passion.
• It reassures the disciples that they will not be abandoned.

 

 

1. The Setting

• These words are spoken during the Last Supper, after Jesus has washed the disciples’ feet and given the new commandment to love one another.
• Jesus knows His arrest and crucifixion are near, so He speaks to strengthen His disciples’ faith and hope.

2. Love and Obedience (vv. 15, 21, 23–24)

• Jesus links love for Him with keeping His commandments: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
• This is not about legalism but about a relationship—obedience flows from love.
• The commandments refer especially to the command to love one another (John 13:34).

3. Promise of the Holy Spirit (vv. 16–17, 26)

• Jesus promises to send the Paraclete (Advocate, Helper, or Comforter)—the Holy Spirit.
• The Spirit will remain with the disciples forever, teaching them and reminding them of everything Jesus said.
• This assures the Church that it will never be left alone; the Spirit continues Jesus’ presence and mission.

4. The Gift of Peace (v. 27)

• Jesus offers His peace: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”
• This is not worldly peace but the deep peace that comes from union with God, even in times of trial.

5. Jesus’ Departure and Return (vv. 18–31)

• Jesus reassures the disciples: “I will not leave you orphaned.”
• His departure through death is not the end; He will return through the resurrection and ultimately in the Spirit’s presence.
• The passage ends with a call to trust and not be afraid, even as Jesus faces the cross.

Theological Significance

• This text reveals the Trinitarian relationship: the Father sends the Son, and the Spirit continues the Son’s work.
• It emphasises that Christian life is rooted in love, guided by the Spirit, and marked by peace.
• It provides the foundation for Catholic teaching on the Holy Spirit’s role in the Church and sacraments.

Characters

1. Jesus

• The central speaker throughout the passage.
• Offers reassurance, teaching, and promises to His disciples as He prepares for His departure.
• Presents Himself as the one who reveals the Father and sends the Spirit.

2. The Disciples

• The immediate audience of Jesus’ words.
• They represent all future believers who will live out Jesus’ command to love and keep His word.
• Their fear and uncertainty form the backdrop for Jesus’ comforting message.

3. The Father (God)

• Mentioned repeatedly as the source of Jesus’ mission and the one who will send the Spirit.
• The Father’s love for those who love Jesus highlights the relational nature of Christian faith.

4. The Holy Spirit (Paraclete)

• Introduced as the Advocate, Helper, or Comforter.
• The Spirit’s role is to teach, remind, and remain with the disciples forever.
• Represents God’s ongoing presence in the Church after Jesus’ earthly ministry.

Ideas/phrases/concepts

Key Ideas

1. Love Expressed in Obedience
   Loving Jesus is shown by keeping His commandments, especially the command to love one another.
2. Promise of the Holy Spirit (Paraclete)
   Jesus assures His disciples that the Spirit will be sent to guide, teach, and remain with them forever.
3. God’s Presence with Believers
   Those who love Jesus will experience the indwelling of the Father and the Son through the Spirit.
4. Gift of Peace
   Jesus offers a peace that is deeper than worldly peace—a peace rooted in trust and union with God.
5. Hope and Reassurance
   Jesus promises that His departure is not abandonment; He will return and remain present through the Spirit.

Significant Phrases

• “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” – links love with action.
• “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate” – introduces the Spirit’s role.
• “The Spirit of truth… will be with you forever” – assurance of ongoing guidance.
• “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” – a distinctive gift of Christ.
• “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” – words of comfort in uncertainty.

Core Concepts

• Paraclete (Advocate): The Holy Spirit as helper, teacher, and guide.
• Trinitarian Relationship: Father, Son, and Spirit working together in salvation.
• Indwelling Presence: God makes a home in those who love Him.
• Christian Discipleship: Rooted in love, obedience, and openness to the Spirit.
• Peace and Courage: Living faith in a world of fear and uncertainty.

 

Where the particular texts sits in the context of the Gospel

Position in the Gospel

• This passage is part of the Farewell Discourse (John 13–17), which begins after the washing of the disciples’ feet and continues until Jesus’ prayer for His followers.
• It comes immediately after Jesus gives the new commandment to love one another (John 13:34–35) and before the metaphor of the vine and branches (John 15).
• The setting is the Last Supper, just before Jesus’ arrest, making these words His final instructions and reassurance to the disciples.

Purpose in the Gospel

• The Farewell Discourse prepares the disciples for life without Jesus’ physical presence.
• John 14:15–31 introduces the promise of the Holy Spirit (Paraclete), a key theme that continues in chapters 15 and 16.
• It reinforces the link between love, obedience, and divine presence, which is central to Johannine theology.

Connection to the Gospel’s Themes

• Trinitarian Relationship: The Father sends the Spirit at Jesus’ request, showing the unity of Father, Son, and Spirit.
• Peace and Assurance: Jesus offers His peace and tells the disciples not to be afraid, echoing the Gospel’s purpose of bringing life and hope.

Mission and Continuity: The Spirit ensures that Jesus’ teaching and presence continue.

Questions for the teacher:

The world in front of the text

Questions for the teacher:

Please reflect on these questions before reading this section and then use the material below to enrich your responsiveness to the text.

Meaning for today/challenges

God’s Presence in Our Lives
This passage reassures believers that they are never alone. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus remains present in the Church and in each believer. In a world where many feel isolated or uncertain, this is a message of hope and comfort.

Love in Action
Jesus links love with obedience: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” For today’s Christians, this means that faith is not just words or feelings but lived out in choices, relationships, and service.

The Gift of Peace
Jesus offers a peace that the world cannot give—a deep, inner peace rooted in trust in God. This is especially relevant in a culture marked by stress, conflict, and anxiety.

Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit continues to teach, guide, and strengthen the Church. For Catholics, this underpins the sacraments, the life of prayer, and the Church’s mission.

Challenges for Today

Faith in a Secular Context
The idea of God dwelling within us can seem strange in a society that often sidelines faith.

Living Love and Obedience
In a culture that prizes independence and self-expression, linking love with obedience can seem restrictive. The challenge is to show that obedience to Christ leads to freedom and fullness of life.

Experiencing Peace in a Troubled World
Global crises, social pressures, and personal struggles can make Jesus’ promise of peace seem unrealistic. Helping people connect this peace to trust in God is essential.

Church interpretation & usage

Promise of the Holy Spirit
The Church understands this passage as foundational for the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises the Paraclete—the Advocate, Helper, and Spirit of Truth—who will guide the Church after His departure. This underpins Catholic teaching on the Spirit’s role in the life of the Church (CCC 688, 729).

Trinitarian Revelation
This text reveals the relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit. The Father sends the Spirit at the Son’s request, showing the unity and distinct roles within the Trinity (CCC 243–248).

Love and Obedience
The Church interprets Jesus’ words—“If you love me, you will keep my commandments”—as a call to live faith through action. Love for Christ is expressed in keeping His word and living the new commandment of love.

Gift of Peace
Jesus’ promise of peace (“My peace I give you”) is understood as a spiritual gift that flows from reconciliation with God, celebrated especially in the sacraments.

Liturgical Use

Pentecost Sunday: This passage is often proclaimed to highlight the coming of the Spirit promised by Jesus.

Confirmation Catechesis: Used to teach about the Spirit’s role in strengthening believers.

Funeral Liturgies: The words “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (from the surrounding discourse) are frequently chosen for comfort and hope.

Daily Prayer: Portions of this text appear in the Liturgy of the Hours during Eastertide.