Read: John 16:5-16
If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. (v. 7)
In the musical Mary Poppins, the Banks family hires Mary to impose order and discipline upon their children, Michael and Jane. However, the children’s bad behavior stems not from an absence of discipline, but an absence of attention from their parents. Mary’s true mission is to restore the relationship between Michael and Jane and their parents. When the time comes for Mary to leave, she leaves them with something better than her friendship: their parents’ love.
At the Last Supper, Jesus tells his disciples that he is leaving. They cannot imagine anything better than his bodily presence. But what he has in store for them is of incomparable benefit: his spiritual presence. That is, his pure love and life through the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was embodied on earth, he was bound by time and space. He could only be available to a few people at once. When Jesus returned to heaven, he was unbound by time and space. By his Spirit, Jesus can be present every place, heart-to-heart with every believer.
Jesus came not just to live the perfect life, die a sinner’s death, and rise to conquer death. He came to reconcile our hearts with heaven through the forgiveness of our sins. What seemed to be the disciples’ worst loss was turned to their greatest advantage: Jesus’s unbroken, unchanging presence. It’s an advantage shared by all believers, us included!
As you pray, ask Jesus to reassure you of his presence: anytime, anyplace.
About the Author
Ben Van Arragon
Ben Van Arragon is a preacher and writer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He preaches and teaches the Bible in church, online, and anywhere else he has the opportunity.
