Why is it beneficial for Jesus to go away according to John 16:7? The Promise Stated John 16:7: “But I tell you the truth, it is for your benefit that I go away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.” Who Is “the Advocate”? • Greek paraklētos – translated Advocate, Helper, Counselor, Comforter • Identified in John 14:26 as “the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name” Why the Departure of Jesus Opens the Door • Divine order: Jesus ascends, the Spirit descends (Acts 1:9–2:4) • Distinct roles—Christ’s earthly ministry completed; Spirit’s indwelling ministry begins (John 14:17) • Spatial limitation removed: Incarnate Jesus was in one place at a time; the Spirit can indwell every believer everywhere (1 Corinthians 3:16) Benefits the Advocate Brings • Conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11) • Guidance “into all truth” and revelation of Christ’s words (John 16:13-15) • Empowerment for witness (Acts 1:8) • Distribution of spiritual gifts for the building up of the body (1 Corinthians 12:4-7) • Assurance of adoption and intimate fellowship with God (Romans 8:15-16) Global Ministry Unleashed • Pentecost shows the promised power reaching many nations instantly (Acts 2:5-11) • Gospel expansion beyond Jerusalem fulfills Jesus’ mandate (Matthew 28:19-20) • The Spirit draws people worldwide to faith, something impossible if Christ remained localized Fulfilled Prophecy and Continuity • Joel 2:28-29 foretold widespread outpouring of the Spirit—realized after Jesus’ ascension • Ezekiel 36:26-27 predicts new hearts and the indwelling Spirit, tied to the new covenant sealed by Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20) Implications for Believers Today • Every follower possesses the same Helper the apostles received (1 Corinthians 6:19) • Ongoing access to Christ’s presence “to the very end of the age” through His Spirit (Matthew 28:20) • Confidence that Jesus’ physical absence is not loss but gain—He intercedes in heaven (Hebrews 7:25) while His Spirit empowers on earth Therefore, Jesus’ departure is beneficial because it launches the universal, internal, empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit, carrying Christ’s work to every believer and every corner of the world. |
    |