As Jesus prepared His disciples for His coming death and subsequent ascension back to heaven (John 14-17), He made what probably sounded like a very strange statement. Their hearts were already grieving, not fully understanding what was going to take place, but surely sensing that the sweet intimacy and fellowship they had been a part of for three years was changing.

Hard and difficult days were ahead, and the thought of navigating life without Jesus’ physical presence must have been unthinkable.

John 16:5-7 – But now I am going to Him who sent me; and none of you asks Me, “Where are You going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

Was it truly “to their advantage” that Jesus went away?

Wouldn’t it be better, you say, if Jesus remained on earth, and we all had the opportunity to walk and talk with Him in person? Wouldn’t that make life easier?

Perhaps, but here’s the obvious truth. Jesus was God dwelling in a human body. He had placed Himself under the limitations of physical flesh. We read how often the press of the crowd surrounded Him, desperate and curious to hear Him, see Him, and touch Him. Can you imagine today, in a world of eight billion?

But God had a better plan. It is truly to our advantage that Jesus went away, back to heaven into His Father’s presence, because it was only then that He could send the Holy Spirit, the promised gift of His abiding, indwelling presence that would never leave us.

John 14:16-17 – I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Help, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

Only God’s people enjoy the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. He is a gift most precious, living Christ’s life in us, and through us, to the glory of the Father.

John 7:38-39 – He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Oh, how grateful I am for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He speaks to my heart through the words of scripture, enlightening my understanding. He empowers me to live this Christ-life, conquering sinful desires, renewing my mind, and conforming me into the image of my Savior. His presence is sweet and powerful and life-changing, and He is the “pledge of our inheritance,” a guarantee that eternal life in the physical presence of Jesus awaits ahead.

Ephesians 1:13-14 – In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation – having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirt of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a vi to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Jesus promised not to “leave us as orphans.” He knew how much better it would be for His children to let go of Him in the physical and enjoy Him forever in the Spirit. The Spirit of Christ, the precious Holy Spirit will never leave us nor forsake us. He is God Himself, and He is the answer to Jesus’ prayer, who desired to be one with both His Father, and those for whom He died.

John 17:20-21 – I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

Have you received the gift of the Holy Spirit?