14. (a) What promise did Jesus make on the night before his death? (b) What is necessary if we are to benefit fully from the comfort of God’s holy spirit?

¹⁴ On the night before his death, Jesus made it clear to his faithful apostles that he would soon be leaving them and returning to his Father. This troubled and grieved them. (John 13:33, 36; 14:27-31) Recognizing their need for continued comfort, Jesus promised: “I will request the Father and he will give you another comforter to be with you forever.” (John 14:16, footnote) Jesus here referred to God’s holy spirit, which was poured out upon his disciples 50 days after his resurrection.a Among other things, God’s spirit comforted them during their trials and strengthened them to continue doing God’s will. (Acts 4:31) However, such help should not be viewed as something automatic. To benefit from it fully, each Christian must continue praying for the comforting help that God provides through his holy spirit.—Luke 11:13.