Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
8.9 — The Promise of Power
8.9 — The Promise of Power: Waiting for the gift Jesus promised
8.9 — The Promise of Power
Waiting for the Holy Spirit
Jesus had risen from the dead.
He had appeared to His followers.
He had restored Peter.
He had given the Great Commission.
Soon He would ascend into heaven.
The disciples might have been tempted to begin their mission immediately.
After all, they had spent years learning from Jesus.
They had witnessed the resurrection.
Surely they were ready.
Yet Jesus gave them an unexpected command:
Wait.
Before they could carry the Gospel to the world, they needed something only God could provide.
They needed the power of the Holy Spirit.
This lesson serves as the bridge between the story of Jesus and the beginning of the Church.
The mission was ready.
The disciples were ready.
But first, the Spirit would come.
Scripture References
Luke 24:44–49
John 14:16–18
John 16:7–15
Acts 1:4–8
Joel 2:28–29
Ezekiel 36:26–27
The Story
During His final days with the disciples, Jesus reminded them of everything He had taught.
He explained how the Scriptures pointed to His suffering, death, and resurrection.
He commissioned them to be witnesses.
Yet He instructed them not to leave Jerusalem.
Instead, they were to wait for what the Father had promised.
Jesus said:
“You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
The disciples still had questions.
They wondered if Jesus was about to restore Israel’s kingdom.
esus redirected their attention.
The focus was not on dates or political events.
The focus was on God’s mission.
Then Jesus gave one of the key verses in the Book of Acts:
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses.”
The disciples were being prepared for Pentecost.
The next chapter of God’s story was about to begin.
Understanding the Story
Why Did Jesus Tell Them To Wait?
The mission could not be accomplished through human strength alone.
The disciples needed God’s power.
The Holy Spirit would equip them to serve, teach, witness, and endure opposition.
What Is The Promise Of The Father?
The promise refers to the coming of the Holy Spirit.
God had spoken of this promise through the prophets and through Jesus Himself.
Why Was Jerusalem Important?
Jerusalem would become the starting point for the spread of the Gospel.
The Holy Spirit would come there at Pentecost.
From there, the message would spread outward to the world.
Understanding Jesus
Who Is The Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity.
He is fully God.
He teaches, guides, comforts, convicts, empowers, and transforms believers.
Why Did Jesus Need To Leave?
Jesus explained that His departure would lead to the coming of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit would continue Christ’s work through believers around the world.
What Does “You Will Receive Power” Mean?
The power Jesus promised was spiritual power.
It was the ability to faithfully live for Christ and boldly share the Gospel.
Understanding Jesus: From Followers To Witnesses
The disciples had spent years following Jesus.
Soon they would become His witnesses.
A witness tells what he or she has seen and experienced.
The disciples would testify to the life, death, resurrection, and lordship of Christ.
The Holy Spirit would give them courage to do so.
Old Testament Connections
Joel prophesied that God would pour out His Spirit upon His people.
Ezekiel spoke of God placing His Spirit within them.
The promise of the Spirit runs throughout the Old Testament.
What was promised for centuries was about to become reality.
Pentecost would fulfill these promises.
Missing Context Check
Did The Disciples Already Believe In Jesus?
Yes.
The promise was not about becoming believers.
It was about being empowered for mission.
Why Didn’t They Begin Preaching Immediately?
Jesus specifically instructed them to wait for the Spirit’s coming.
Is The Holy Spirit Important Today?
Absolutely.
The same Spirit who empowered the early Church continues to guide and strengthen believers today.
A Deeper Look: The Difference Between Activity And Power
It is possible to be busy without being effective.
The disciples could have rushed into ministry.
Instead, Jesus told them to wait.
God’s work is accomplished through God’s power.
The lesson reminds believers to depend on the Holy Spirit rather than relying solely on their own abilities.
See the Related Lessons section near the bottom of this page for connections to Pentecost and the birth of the Church.
Key Themes
God’s Promise Is Faithful
What God promises, He fulfills.
The Holy Spirit Empowers Believers
The mission requires God’s power.
Waiting Can Be Part Of God’s Plan
Preparation often comes before action.
The Gospel Is Meant To Spread
The disciples would become witnesses to the world.
Why This Lesson Matters
Many believers want to serve God effectively.
This lesson reminds Christians that spiritual fruit comes through dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
The mission of the Church is not sustained by human effort alone.
God provides the power needed to accomplish His purposes.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Promise Giver.
The Sender of the Spirit.
The Lord of the Church.
The One Who Equips His Followers.
The Savior Who Continues His Work Through His People.
Living the Message
Spend time praying for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Trust God’s timing when He calls you to wait.
Look for opportunities to witness to Christ.
Remember that God’s power is available to His people.
Depend on the Spirit rather than your own strength.
Reflection Questions
Why did Jesus tell the disciples to wait?
Possible answers:
They needed the power of the Holy Spirit.
What was the Father’s promise?
Possible answers:
The coming of the Holy Spirit.
What would the Spirit enable them to do?
Possible answers:
Be effective witnesses for Christ.
Why is waiting sometimes difficult?
Possible answers:
People often want to act before God has completed His preparation.
What does this lesson teach about ministry?
Possible answers:
God’s work is accomplished through God’s power.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit and instructed His followers to wait.
Reasons We Believe
God fulfills His promises and empowers His people.
Obedience in Action
Pray for the Spirit’s guidance and strength.
Walk It Out
Depend on God’s power in your daily life.
Related Lessons
Season 8: Resurrection and New Life
Season 1: Life in the Spirit (Learn the Story of the Church)
1.0 Life in the Spirit Overview
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 1: Life in the Spirit (Learn the Story of the Church)
The disciples were ready to go.
Jesus told them to wait.
