John 16:4-15
For
instance, we raise our children for the purpose that someday they will become
independent and leave. We say goodbye to them. I still remember dropping our
daughter at Ohio University as a freshman like it was yesterday. As our only
child, many tears were shed. But it was best for her to help her grow into the
wonderful woman, wife and mother that she is today.
In
this passage Jesus is saying goodbye to his closest friends. He told them that
in doing so they “are filled with grief”.
They were devastated as Jesus informed them that he was going somewhere that
they couldn’t go. And in the midst of this he makes a remarkable statement:
“It is for your good
that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but
if I go, I will send him to you.”
The
NIV refers to the Holy Spirit as Advocate; The Living Bible as Comforter; and
The Message as Friend. No matter how you put it, the disciples were better off
without Jesus, but with the Holy Spirit.
On
Pentecost, Peter quoted the prophet Joel: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
On that day the disciples, who previously were filled with grief at the
thought of their teacher, mentor and friend leaving them, are filled with the
Holy Spirit. This same Holy Spirit, Advocate, Comforter and Friend is still
here for you and me.
Jesus
packed his bags and left this world, but he didn’t leave us to fend for
ourselves. He sent us his Holy Spirit who lives in us, guides us into truth and
pours out God’s love into our hearts to share with others.
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