“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”
John 16:7
Years ago my parents sent me north to college, instead of keeping me in Tennessee where I was raised. The pro that outweighed the fearful cons in making this decision was that it would be good for me to be away from them. They realized I would grow up.
It’s not just good that Jesus went away. It’s for our good.
Jesus ascended because in doing so He would send the Holy Spirit to His church. You might say the 12 who followed Jesus were graduating from grade school to college, or from trade school to being journeymen. Instead of following the visible Jesus, they would be filled by the Holy Spirit to witness, suffer, and even die.
Through every challenging step they would take, His Holy Spirit would accompany them.
What a comfort this is! First, we have Jesus as our personal lawyer. He argues our case before God our Judge, showing His wounds to prove our innocence. Through Him the Judge becomes our heavenly Father.
Second, Jesus sends “another Advocate.” The Holy Spirit brings Jesus near in our moments of trial to guide us in truth.
It’s not just good that Jesus went away. It’s for our good.
Jesus ascended because in doing so He would send the Holy Spirit to His church. You might say the 12 who followed Jesus were graduating from grade school to college, or from trade school to being journeymen. Instead of following the visible Jesus, they would be filled by the Holy Spirit to witness, suffer, and even die.
Through every challenging step they would take, His Holy Spirit would accompany them.
What a comfort this is! First, we have Jesus as our personal lawyer. He argues our case before God our Judge, showing His wounds to prove our innocence. Through Him the Judge becomes our heavenly Father.
Second, Jesus sends “another Advocate.” The Holy Spirit brings Jesus near in our moments of trial to guide us in truth.
Scripture Focus
John 16:4-15
Insight
When we see Peter’s Spirit-filled boldness after Pentecost, we realize that Jesus’ leaving was good not just for Peter, but for us, too.
Bible In A Year
- Joshua 17-18
- Psalm 105
- Romans 3-4
