The Spirit as Our Advocate

Presbyterians like me often feel like we don’t know much about the Holy Spirit. But, we usually know more than we think. We know the familiar images: the breath of God hovering over watery chaos at creation, the Spirit descending like a dove at Jesus’ baptism, Jesus breathing onto the disciples after the resurrection, the Spirit descending as tongues of fire and wind on Pentecost. These metaphors shape our understanding – blowing wind, gentle doves, dancing flames, rushing wind, the gift of languages.

But there’s another image I believe we often miss and one we really need: the Spirit as our Advocate.

We all know what it feels like to need someone in our corner. Maybe you were in trouble at school and remember when your parent stepped in to help. Or you needed a key reference to land a big job. Or you faced a medical crisis and felt alone until that one person showed up to help you process information and make decisions. We know the relief of having an advocate.

One of my favorite examples comes from Harry Potter. Hermione Granger perfectly embodies what an advocate looks like. In the first book there’s a memorable scene with the logic puzzle, when Harry and Ron are completely overwhelmed, Hermione looks at Harry and says, “You’re a great wizard, Harry… and I’m good at remembering things, telling people things, helping them.” Throughout the series, she’s the friend who knew what they needed before they did, who remembered what they forgot, who never stopped believing in Harry even when he couldn’t believe in himself. She’s an advocate.

This gives us a picture of what Jesus promises in John 14. Speaking to confused and frightened disciples who were about to lose their guide and advocate, Jesus offers comfort: “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate.”

The word Jesus uses—paraclete—appears only in John’s writings. It’s hard to translate: in Latin, it was translated as advocatus, meaning an attorney. It became “Comforter” in 16th-century England by the hand of Wycliffe. Today, we usually read Advocate. Ultimately, it means “one who is called alongside to help.” The Father and Son send the Spirit to help us, to continue Jesus’ presence in his disciples and in the world.

So what does this Advocate do? Many things! But here are three…

First, the Advocate helps us pray, especially when we can’t find words. Whether we’re speechless with grief or overwhelmed with joy, the Spirit translates our heart’s language to God—taking our sighs, tears, and silent smiles directly to God’s heart.

Second, the Advocate reminds us of Jesus’ words, stories, and teaching and brings them to life in new situations. In our world, this often looks like the Spirit reminding us of our deepest faith values: we belong to God, we’re called to care for creation well, to care for the poor more than profit, to honor God’s image in our neighbor, and to trust that love is the most powerful force in the world.

Third, the Advocate continues Jesus’ work through the church. Without the Spirit, the church is just another non-profit. With the Spirit, the church has the change to be a witness to the historical presence of Jesus. To be his hands and feet today.

As Walter Brueggemann, the titanic Biblical scholar who died this past week, once wrote: “The God of the gospel is the God who comes to us in our need and will not be turned away.” In other words, the God of the gospel in the person of the Spirit is an Advocate to be with us forever.

The Spirit is One who is good at remembering things, telling people things, and helping them—leading us into truth, standing with us, praying for us, reminding us who we are, and sending us out to be Christ’s church in the world.

Thanks be to God for sending an Advocate to be with us forever.