"Now I am going back to the One who sent me. But none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' You are filled with sadness because I have told you these things. But I tell you the truth. It is better for you that I go away. Why? Because when I go away I will send the Helper to you. But if I did not go away, then the Helper would not come."
— 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. Jesus did all he could to help his disciples be prepared for his departure even though he was facing rejection, torture, and death. Jesus loves his disciples to the end! Jesus' great assurance over and over again in his farewell visit and prayer with his disciples (John 13-17) is that when he goes away, they will not be left alone. The Holy Spirit, the Comforter/Counselor will come to them. Jesus will send the Spirit to them and they will do amazing things in Jesus' name. Jesus won't be gone, just present in a different way. That Holy Presence is also for us today as well!
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 just confined to 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. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- John 13:33 - 35
- John 14:1-14
- John 14:28
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
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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