Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24: 46-49


Why did the disciples of Jesus need to be “clothed with power from on high”? They had already been baptized with water, which removed the stain of original sin and made them co-heirs with Christ. They had already consumed the Bread of Life that gives life to the soul. Why did they need power? In short, they needed power for the same reasons we do — to become more like Jesus in character and to continue his mission.


What was Jesus’ mission? “To seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10) and “proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43). To continue this mission on our own human power isn’t difficult; it’s impossible. That’s why Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit, so that we can carry out the mission of reconciliation and restoration with his power. Jesus never intended us to follow him on our own strength alone.


Have you been trying to live out your faith on your own power? Ask the Holy Spirit to clothe you with his power.