What Jesus Did! 'Don't Be Sad; Better Things Are Ahead' — John 16:5-7

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

[Jesus continued,] "But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I've told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you."
— John 16:5-7 NLT

Key Thought

I can't imagine how the disciples felt or what they understood when Jesus talked about going away. Even though he was facing rejection, torture, and death, he did all he could to help his disciples be prepared for his departure. Jesus loved his disciples to the end! His great assurance over and over again in his farewell visit and prayer with his disciples [1] was that when he went away, they would not be left alone. The Holy Spirit (the Advocate/Comforter/Counselor/Helper) would come to them. Jesus would send the Spirit to them, and they would do amazing things in Jesus' name. He wouldn't be gone, just present in a different way. That Holy Presence is also for us today as well!

[1] John 13-17.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for your abiding presence in my life through the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful that Jesus' presence wasn't confined to just his earthly ministry, but that he has come to live inside my heart through the Holy Spirit. Please know that the Spirit is welcome in my heart to mend, purify, convict, correct, empower, and motivate me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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6 Related Resources by Heartlight

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It was in the middle of one of these nitty-gritty down-to-earth conversations between Jesus and His disciples that He fleshed out the secret. Melissa Troyer reminds us of Jesus' strange promise of going away being better for His disciples than staying with them.
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Illustration

Illustration of John 16:5-7 NLT — But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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