Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Throughout the scriptures, we encounter numerous accounts of miracles performed by Jesus during His time on Earth—raising the dead, healing the sick, casting out demons, and multiplying loaves and fish. While the Bible indicates that not all of His works could ever be recorded (John 21:25), the miracles that are documented serve as a profound testament to His identity and authority. However, we must ask, how did Jesus perform these miraculous acts? Was it merely because He was God, or was there a deeper purpose and means behind His miracles?
In Philippians 2:7, we read that Jesus “emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, being born in the likeness of men.” This verse is pivotal in understanding that Jesus, while fully divine, chose to relinquish certain attributes of His deity—such as omnipresence—to experience life as a human being. He was not only God; He was also fully man, living in dependence on the Father, showing a perfect model of how we, too, should navigate life.

The Source of Jesus’ Power and Authority

So, where did Jesus’ power and authority originate? Luke 4:14 provides clarity: “And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit.” He came back from the wilderness experience, not only triumphant over temptation but also “full of the Spirit’s power.” The Greek term for power here is “dunamis,” which signifies not just raw strength but an explosive type of power—capability combined with authority.
The Holy Spirit was, without a doubt, the secret weapon in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Just as Wi-Fi connects us to the larger world today, the Holy Spirit enabled Jesus to maintain an intimate connection with the Father. Our culture now thrives on connectivity. Social media and search engines like Google allow us to gather immense amounts of information instantaneously. In the same way, while living on Earth, Jesus relied on the Holy Spirit’s connection for guidance, insight, and strength.
Imagine living during times of storm or natural disaster, where your internet connection is cut off. The isolation can be overwhelming. Without the latest news or the ability to communicate, one can feel cut off from the world. This experience gives us a glimpse of what it would mean to be disconnected from God’s presence. Jesus chose to live with this same type of connection to the Father through the Holy Spirit—the essence of His power and authority.

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

John 5:19 further enriches our understanding: “Then Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.’” Here, Jesus articulates a profound truth: He performed the works of God because He perceived what the Father was doing, an insight granted to Him by the Holy Spirit.
So, with the help of the Holy Spirit, He would fulfill every prophecy and live a perfect, sinless life so that He could become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ complete dependency on the Holy Spirit underscored His role in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. The Holy Spirit was not only about the miraculous signs and wonders but also about living a life characterized by holiness, obedience, and love.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives Today

Today, the Holy Spirit represents our hope of living a genuine Christian life. We need Him not only to perform the supernatural but to execute the simple act of loving others in our day-to-day lives—just as Jesus did. The challenges that we face often feel insurmountable, yet it is through the Holy Spirit that we gain the strength to walk in obedience to God’s word, resist temptation, and even keep our mouths closed when we feel provoked to lash out.
A deep relationship with the Holy Spirit becomes crucial in truly living as a disciple of Jesus Christ. The good news is that Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit would come. Acts 1:8 affirms this divine promise: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This promise was fulfilled in Acts 2:1–4 when the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers at Pentecost, empowering them for the ministry ahead. In Acts 2:38-39, when Peter preached to the crowd, he proclaimed that “you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” upon repenting and being baptized in the name of Jesus. More importantly, Peter continues to express the inclusivity of this promise: “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” This statement confirms that the gift of the Holy Spirit is not just an ancient occurrence but is available to us today.

The Importance of Responsiveness

This promise means that the Holy Spirit is indeed for us today; it encompasses you and me as believers. He remains active in our lives and the world around us. Will you accept the invitation to invite Him into your life actively?
Embracing the active presence of the Holy Spirit is an integral part of thriving as a disciple of Jesus Christ. This involves responsiveness to His leading and guidance in our lives. Engaging in prayer, studying Scripture, and being open to His promptings can create a fertile ground where we can grow and mature in our faith. The Holy Spirit desires to work through us, empowering us to become agents of God’s purpose and love in the lives of those we encounter.

Embracing Our Authority in Christ

When we understand that Jesus lived dependent on the Holy Spirit, it should empower us as believers. The same Spirit that resided in Him is available to us. Romans 8:11 reassures us that “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
Embracing the Holy Spirit strengthens our identity as children of God. We gain authority not from our worthiness but from our relationship with Him. The empowerment we experience through the Spirit spurs us into action—leading us to pursue justice, show kindness, and live with integrity.

The Challenge of Our Dependency

Acknowledging our need for the Holy Spirit is not merely a passive acknowledgment; it demands active engagement. If we are to emulate Christ, we must cultivate a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit. This is not just an add-on to our spiritual lives; it is the very essence of how we live out our faith.
The question we must ask ourselves is this: Are we relying on our resources, intellect, or understanding, or are we intentionally seeking the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit? The camaraderie with the Spirit requires constant communication through prayer, reflection, and action. Just as Jesus withdrew to solitary places to pray and align Himself with the Father’s will, we also need to carve out time in our busy lives to seek His presence.

Conclusion: A Call to Live in the Spirit

In understanding how Jesus performed miracles during His earthly ministry, we open ourselves to the reality of our relationship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ life, His miracles, and His profound connection with the Father challenges us to re-evaluate how we live.
The Holy Spirit is not just an accessory to our faith; He is the centerpiece, empowering us to fulfill the work God has called us to do. We are invited into a dynamic relationship, one that shapes our actions, decisions, and understanding of God’s will.
Would you embrace the challenge of nurturing your relationship with the Holy Spirit? In doing so, may you find not only the power for your daily life but also the deep joy that comes from being connected to the source of all authority and wisdom. After all, living in the power of the Holy Spirit is not merely about doing good deeds; it is about being transformed, understanding God more fully, and carrying out His mission in a world that desperately needs His love and grace.
Today, let us invite the Holy Spirit to be an active participant in our lives, leading us through the challenges of daily existence and enabling us to love those around us as Jesus did. As we surrender to this relationship, we will find a true reflection of Christ in ourselves—a reflection that will touch the hearts of those we encounter and usher in the Kingdom of God here on Earth.