At the Last
Supper Jesus told the disciples that he would send them the Holy Spirit, but he
called him by a different name at first. The ESV calls him the, “Helper.” The
KJV calls him the, “Comforter.” The NIV says that he is the, “Advocate.” All of
these words are used to translate an interesting word in the original; the word
paraclete.
This word has a rich range of meaning that provide us
with a tapestry of images that describe the Holy Spirit and his work in our
lives. In its most basic sense, paraclete
means someone who is called alongside to help. The Holy Spirit is, in a way,
alongside us in our lives to help us receive Jesus forgiveness, to have faith,
and to live the life of faith. In fact, he doesn’t just help us do these
things, he makes them possible. As we say in the Small Catechism, “I believe that
I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come
to him, but the Holy Spirit….”
“Advocate” is another word used to translate paraclete. In this sense, the Holy Spirit
joins with our Lord Jesus as an intercessor. He speaks on our behalf, giving
words to the groans of our hearts and turning them to prayer. In this sense his
is also our “intercessor,” as is our Lord Jesus, himself.
He is also a “defender.” His work within us, creating and
sustaining faith defends us from sin and temptation. He defends our consciences
by constantly bringing Jesus’ forgiveness, life, and salvation to us.
“Counselor” is another word that is used to translate paraclete. In one sense this takes us
back to advocate as we think of the legal concept of a counselor, or lawyer who
defends us. There is also truth in the sense that the Spirit guides, or
counsels, us into holy living, but even more important is the work that he does
that reveals Jesus to us, urges and empowers us to receive his grace, and
guides us away from sin and into the new life Jesus has won for us.
My favorite way to translate paraclete is “comforter.” The Holy Spirit comforts us by assuring
us that our sins are forgiven for Jesus’ sake. He actually delivers that
forgiveness to us. He comforts us in our sorrows by delivering Jesus victory
over sin and death to us. He comforts us in our fears by applying God’s love to
our hurting hearts.
Have you experienced the Holy Spirit as the paraclete? Which of the translations of
that description of the Holy Spirit helps you best appreciate his work in your
life?
Come, Holy Spirit.
Be our paraclete in the fullest sense of that word. Create and sustain our
faith in Jesus as our crucified and risen savior, and keep us always in the
true faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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