[CYM] 21.0 Receive the Holy Spirit

Yeshua’s teaching on the Holy Spirit is central to His vision for the life and mission of His followers. He not only promised the Spirit but also commanded His disciples to receive and depend on the Spirit’s power.

In John, Yeshua makes the most direct command: Receive ye the Holy Spirit (John 20:22). After His resurrection, He breathes on His disciples—symbolizing new creation—and imparts the Spirit, commissioning them for mission and forgiveness ministry (John 20:21–23). Earlier, in His Farewell Discourse, Yeshua promised the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who would teach, remind, guide, and dwell within them (John 14:16–17, 26; 16:13).

In Luke, Yeshua tells His disciples before His ascension: behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). This is a clear directive to wait for the Holy Spirit, whom He calls the promise of my Father. Luke emphasizes the Spirit’s role in empowering witness, setting the stage for the early church recorded in the book of Acts.

Matthew and Mark reference the Holy Spirit less directly, but in Matthew 10:20, Yeshua encourages the disciples not to fear persecution, saying, it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. In Mark 13:11, He gives a similar assurance during times of trial. It says,

But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

Across the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Yeshua commands readiness to receive the Holy Spirit—God’s empowering presence for guidance, transformation, and mission. Obedience to this command is foundational to living as His disciple and continuing His work in the world.