Two of my young nephews asked me if there was anything they could do to win their English teacher’s favor on a writing assignment. I answered, “If you can use a semicolon properly, she would probably be impressed, especially if she hasn’t taught it to you yet.” Both boys were eager to try, and so I delivered a brief lesson. They were sure they could work this into their assignments. To my surprise and delight I heard from them only a week later that the semicolon had been a big success, and they had both scored high by using it.

For three years Jesus’ disciples lived with and learned from him. At the Last Supper Jesus knew that every word he spoke would be important and would last even for eternity. It was then that he told them about the “Advocate, the Holy Spirit,” who would come to them after his resurrection.

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. (John 14:26)

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to two of his disciples walking on the road to Emmaus, but they could not recognize him until they arrived and he broke bread for them, and disappeared. The disciples recalled, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road, and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32 ) Jesus, the “stranger” on the road, was teaching them and reminding them and being a companion to them as they walked, revealing his identity at the table. I believe that Jesus was modeling the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, for the disciples so that they would understand that he, Jesus, could be present with them, without their always recognizing him. Jesus showed the two disciples that he and the Advocate are one, so that they could learn to find him in the world when he was not physically present.

I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father. (John 16:28)

These words Jesus spoke before he died. On the road to Emmaus Jesus displayed the work and the very presence of the Holy Spirit, his own Spirit, who would companion the disciples when Jesus was physically absent. He showed them that they would have his teaching, the recall of his life, death, resurrection, and even his companionship in the Holy Spirit and in the sharing of the bread and wine.

It is good to have an aunt who can give you a tip about your writing assignment, but it’s infinitely better to have an Advocate who can show you your God.

Love in Him,

Prue