JOHN 16 - TO OUR ADVANTAGE?

 

John 16

is one of the most heartfelt chapter in the Gospel of John.
It continues Jesus’ farewell conversation with His disciples just before His crucifixion.
In this chapter, Jesus prepares them for sorrow, persecution, and confusion — but also promises them victory, peace, and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:7 is one of the most surprising and powerful statements Jesus ever made.

“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.
Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you;
but if I go, I will send him to you.”

How could it be good for Jesus to leave? This sounds impossible!

It is always hard to let go of someone we walked with, we loved and who taught us almost everything we know. It is heartbreaking – so the apostles asked, HOW CAN IT BE TO OUR ADVANTAGE?

It is the most difficult thing to comprehend for the apostles even for us believers.

To your advantage that Jesus is arrested?

· To your advantage that Jesus’ ministry of teaching and miracles is stopped?

· To your advantage that Jesus is beaten?

· To your advantage that Jesus is mocked?

· To your advantage that Jesus is sentenced for execution?

· To your advantage that Jesus is nailed to a cross?

· To your advantage that Jesus dies in the company of notorious criminals?

· To your advantage that His lifeless body is laid in a cold grave?

Nevertheless, is one of the great words of the Bible, meaning despite all of that. Jesus knew they were filled with sorrow because of what He told them. But, despite all of that He wanted them to know that it was to their advantage.

Jesus didn’t say this because He lied most of the time. He said this because HE WANTED THEM TO MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO TRUST HIM AT THIS POINT. Jesus knew this was difficult to believe.

We must truly TRUST HIM FOR THE REASONS:

• Jesus’ physical presence was limited to one place at a time.
• The Holy Spirit would make His presence universal and personal, living in every believer’s heart.
• Jesus didn’t leave us; He came closer — not beside us, but within us.

• The Spirit’s coming depended on Jesus finishing His redemptive work — dying for our sins, rising, and returning to the Father.
• Only then could the Spirit come to dwell in a cleansed, forgiven heart.

The cross opened the way for the Holy Spirit to live in us permanently, not just visit occasionally like in the Old Testament.

• The Spirit is the continuing presence of Jesus in the world.
• He comforts, convicts, guides, strengthens, and reveals truth.

Jesus didn’t abandon His followers; He multiplied His presence through the Spirit — now living in millions of hearts across generations.

 

Let us Pray:

Lord Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Spirit — our Comforter, Helper, and Friend. Your presence is not gone – it has become deeper because You are within us now. Thank you for sending us the advocate who speaks, leads and loves us – our inner compass. We now understand that what we feel like loss may actually be a doorway to something better, that letting go and trusting you is what we must do as your true believers. Our testing today is preparing us for our greater testimony tomorrow. Fill us with Your Spirit’s peace, strength, and wisdom every day.
Amen.