“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:26-26)
At this point in his farewell to His disciples Jesus knew that they felt confused and troubled, not so much by Judas’ sudden departure for they were not yet aware of the betrayal, but by what Jesus said to Peter. Jesus also knew that the events that were to follow would cause them even greater consternation so He allowed them to voice some of their questions. The answers that He gave should have made them realize that they had seen God because they had seen Him. He and the Father were one. This should have given them encouragement that would carry them through the dark hours ahead, but they still fell into great doubt and fear.
The disciples should have realized that God always keeps His covenant. Though they were troubled they can have hope because all of Jesus’ promises would be fulfilled. He was sending them the Holy Spirit who would strengthen, encourage and teach as well as fill them with boldness. With the power of the Spirit upon them they would perform greater works than Jesus. This is not to say that the works would be more spectacular in power, but would be greater in number. Jesus ministered primarily only to the Jews in Palestine. The disciples would preach to many more people all over the world, not just to Jews who were awaiting the Messiah but to Gentiles who knew nothing about Yahweh. They would bring thousands of corrupt, weak, repulsive and unworthy sinners into God’s Kingdom and change them into saints. The Holy Spirit still preaches today through the Church and through every believer as He so wills.