The Person of the Holy Spirit and His Work (Part 2)
In Jesus life and ministry, the Holy Spirit was at work in many ways. The Holy Spirit was involved with his virgin birth. (Mt. 1:18; Luke 1:35) The Holy Spirit was involved with his baptism, teachings, temptations, and miracles. Paul tells us in Romans (1:4) that the Holy Spirit was active in His resurrection. Peter also confirms this fact that He was put to death and “…quickened by the spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
The Holy Spirit was an inseparable part of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. At His baptism Matthew (3:16) records the following: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:” This verse was apparently recorded by Matthew from what John the Baptist had told him. As Jesus began his earthly ministry, the Holy Spirit was the sign given by the Father that He approved of the ministry Jesus was beginning. At this point, it seems that the Holy Spirit joined with Jesus to work through him for his teaching and miracles. It is interesting to note that at the end of Jesus earthly ministry, he made this statement as recorded by John (16:7): “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” Why would Jesus say this to his disciples if He and the Holy Spirit were not working as one?
Again, we have the following words recorded by Luke in Acts: “Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:” (Acts 1:2) We see again the concept that Jesus and the Holy Spirit were one in thought and action. The Holy Spirit was an active ingredient in Jesus earthly ministry. Yet, when Jesus ascended He left his disciples with these words: “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” (Acts 1: 4, 5) As we know from scripture, the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost and became part of the believer’s life forever.
