The Gift

Sometimes I wonder what the disciples first thought upon awakening the morning after the crucifixion, realizing the rabbi with whom they had invested the last three years of their lives was gone. I imagine some felt like they’d been conned; others, like everything they’d worked for had burned to the ground.

Just days prior, when the disciples had gathered around the table with Jesus to celebrate Passover, something probably felt “off.” They carried that uneasy feeling that comes when you know something terrible is going to happen, and while you don’t know what it is, you know you can’t stop it. They didn’t know they’d soon watch Jesus tread an unexpected road: a public arrest, an unfair trial, a criminal’s execution, and a heart-wrenching cry: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Jesus too was keenly aware that this season of ministry together with his beloved followers – and even his very life – was coming to an end. He wanted to bestow a parting gift, something they’d treasure forever.

What do you give to someone you love so much that you’re willing to die for them?

Many years ago, I cared for a family whose children I cherished deeply. On the eve of my departure, their devoted mother, Monica, gifted me a precious box containing a hand-carved, exquisitely detailed mirror. This mirror has accompanied me through countless moves, and each time I glimpse it, l feel the warmth of that family’s love.

The gift someone gives you before they or you depart is often the most meaningful. Whether it’s the tender words whispered before a last breath, the note someone slips into your hand before they move away, or the package placed in your palm before a farewell – the gift can remain with you forever.

Jesus could have flooded the Sea of Galilee with fish or handed the disciples suitcases of gold. But Jesus was no talk-show host exclaiming, “You get a chariot, you get a chariot, you get a chariot!”

Instead, Jesus handpicked the most meaningful gift of all:

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.

The Greek word translated as “advocate,” parakletos, encompasses roles like helper, counselor, comforter, and strengthener – beautiful attributes of the Spirit of the Living God. The One who carries us, leads us, guides us, and reminds Christ’s disciples – both then and now – of all Jesus said. The One who lifts our burdens and carries them for us. The One who never abandons us and always remains with us. These are just some of the ways the Spirit has been loving humans since the dawn of time.

This is the same Spirit who hovered over the tohu wa vohu [without form and void], inspired Joseph ‘s dreams, and empowered Bezalel, Oholiab, and the artisans. This is the same ruach [spirit] who spoke through David, wore Gideon, and breathed hope into Ezekiel and the exiles, who enhanced the abilities of Daniel and wooed Simeon to the temple with the instruction to “go.” This Spirit of the Living God overshadowed Mary, prophesied through Elizabeth, filled John the Baptist before birth, and descended like a dove at Jesus’s baptism. This is the same Spirit who led Jesus into the desert, empowered the seventy to perform mighty miracles, and helped raise Jesus from the dead.

Tucked away with his followers, Jesus promises to bestow the most magnificent, delightful gift. Rather than gifting us something, Jesus gives us Someone.

Margaret Feinberg appears on LIFE TODAY this Tuesday and Thursday. Excerpted from The God You Need To Know by Margaret Feinberg. Copyright ©2025 by Margaret Feinberg. Published by Zondervan Books. Used by permission.