What Jesus Did! 'The Holy Spirit Will Help' — Luke 12:11-12

Monday, August 14, 2023

[To his disciples, Jesus continued,] "And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don't worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said."
— Luke 12:11-12 NLT

Key Thought

As seen in yesterday's devotional, Jesus warned in the previous verse [1] against blaspheming the Holy Spirit. By contrast, in today's verses, Jesus told his disciples that the Holy Spirit lived in and worked through them, especially when they would face great opposition and when they would need to defend themselves before rulers and authorities. The Holy Spirit would be with them to help them know what to say. They would not be alone, no matter how it might feel to them. Their words would have power because of the Spirit's speaking through them. Those who ignored their words were ignoring the very Spirit of God speaking through them. Likewise, if we ignore the words they left for us, we are resisting the Spirit of God. [2]

[1] Luke 12:10.
[2] Acts 7:51.

Today's Prayer

Father, speak through me and, by the power of your Holy Spirit, use me to your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Luke 12:11-12
Devo: Today's Verse
"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will..."
No Worries
Illustration of Luke 12:11-12
Inspirational illustration of Luke 12:11-12 -- When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.
What You Should Say
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Jesus said,] "I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. ... When you are..."
Having a Fitting Reply
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
Let's worship today, praising God and asking for the help of the Holy Spirit as we seek to respond to people as Jesus did! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in online, virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos to help us understand how to give fitting replies to others in different conversation contexts.
See All 5 Related Resources about Luke 12:11-12

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 12:11-12 NLT — "And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don't worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, August 14, 2023

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Blood on the Doorpost Protected by Faith'
"It was by faith that Moses prepared the Passover and spread the blood on the doors so the one who brings death would not kill the firstborn sons of..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Romans 13:9-10
"The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Refreshment Is Coming' (Acts 3:19-21)
"[After accusing his audience of being ignorant of who Jesus was and killing him, Peter continued,] "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that....."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Living in Harmony' (Ro. 12:16-21)
"Dear Father, God of the lowly, Help me live in harmony with others - without haughtiness, without conceit, willing to associate with the lowly. Help...."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!