One of the profound truths of the Christian faith is the promise that we can live supernaturally empowered lives, like Jesus did, through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This isn’t just a lofty theological concept; it’s a reality meant to transform our daily lives. Yet, so many believers miss out on this empowerment simply because they don't know the power dwelling inside of them.
A Helper for the Journey
Before Jesus left His disciples, He made a surprising statement: they weren’t ready. After three years of following Him—watching miracles, listening to sermons, and even practicing ministry themselves—they still lacked something essential. They needed the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for this supernatural equipping:
Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high. — Luke 24:49
This wasn’t just a "nice-to-have" bonus. It was the very same power that had fuelled Jesus’ ministry and without it, they could not carry forward His mission. It’s a bit like being handed the keys to a car but finding out there’s no fuel. The Holy Spirit was—and still is—the fuel that empower us to live the supernatural lives we are called to live.
Why Did Jesus Leave?
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Jesus actually said it was better for us that He leave so the Holy Spirit could come:
It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. — John 16:7
Better? Really? Imagine standing there as one of His disciples. How could anything be better than walking and talking with Jesus in the flesh?
Here’s the key: When Jesus was on earth, He was limited by His physical body. If you needed healing, you had to find Him. If you had questions, you had to ask Him directly. But the Holy Spirit isn’t limited by time or space. He can dwell in every believer, empowering us to do the works of Jesus wherever we are.
What Had to Happen First?
Before the Holy Spirit could take up residence in believers, a major obstacle had to be addressed — sin needed to be atoned for.
The Holy Spirit couldn’t dwell in hearts stained with sin. So, Jesus did the ultimate work—He died and atoned for humanity’s sin. Then He carried His own blood into the Holy of Holies in Heaven. Only after this could people become temples fit for a holy God. This is why Jesus said:
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. — John 7:37-39
Jesus’ glorification—His death, resurrection, and ascension—paved the way for us to receive the same Spirit that empowered Him.
Doing the Works of Jesus
Here’s where things get even more exciting. Jesus made an astonishing claim:
He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. — John 14:12
How is this possible? It is possible because the same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus during His ministry is now available to us. Jesus didn’t perform miracles because He was God. As Philippians 2:5-11 explains, He laid aside His divine privileges and operated in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Time and time again, the Gospels emphasize that Jesus’ works were Spirit-empowered:
“The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me…” (Luke 4:18)
“If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:28)
“Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee…” (Luke 4:14)
The same Spirit that worked through Jesus now works in us, enabling us to live supernatural lives and fulfill His mission on earth.
We Don’t Have a Power Problem
Here’s the kicker: We often pray for more power, but the truth is, we don’t have a power problem—we have a revelation problem. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us (Romans 8:11). The issue is, Jesus knew what He had. Too often, we don’t.
Jesus lived in perfect fellowship with the Holy Spirit, only doing what the Spirit showed Him The Father was doing (John 5:19). If we want to live like Jesus, we need to cultivate this same relationship with the Holy Spirit — where we only do what The Holy Spirit shows us God wants us to do.
A Life Empowered
When we grasp this truth, it changes everything. The Holy Spirit isn’t just a theological concept or a Sunday sermon topic. He’s the Helper sent to empower us to live as Jesus did. He’s the fuel, the guide, the power source. When we cooperate with Him, miracles become the norm, not the exception.
Jesus showed us what a Spirit-empowered life looks like. Now, it’s our turn. Let’s develop a close friendship with the Helper that has been sent to help us live like Jesus — so we can live lives that reflects His glory — doing the same works He did and even greater.
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