“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.’ And with that He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit…’” (John 20:21-22 NIV)
God’s Spirit was clearly present in Jesus while He was on earth. But when Jesus had completed His mission and returned to heaven, He did not leave His disciples alone. He sent the Holy Spirit to them, more powerfully and abundantly than ever before.
This became clearly evident at Pentecost when the apostles began boldly sharing the Gospel in various languages. Jesus had commanded them to do this, but they could not have done it in their own strength.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was also evident in the response of the people who heard the Gospel. Thousands came to faith, repented of their sins, and were baptized.
That is how the same Spirit still works today. He inspires Christians to share their faith. At the same time, He makes people receptive to the good news; He gives them a “new heart” that no longer desires to sin, but wants to live to the glory of God.
Jesus promises us in Luke 11:13 that the heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Do you experience the Spirit’s presence in your life? How do you notice it?