The Spirit of Truth: Why Jesus’ Departure Was Good

In John 16:7-15, Jesus tells His disciples something surprising: “It is to your advantage that I go away.” Imagine hearing that from the One you’ve left everything to follow. The disciples were already anxious and confused, struggling to understand why their teacher and friend would ever say such a thing.

Their reaction feels familiar, doesn’t it? We often wrestle with similar questions when it comes to the Holy Spirit, what He does, why He matters, and how He works in our lives. The disciples weren’t the first to struggle with this, and we aren’t the last. So let’s take a closer look at some of the questions that arise from this text in John: 


Why Would Jesus' Leaving Be Better?

Jesus explains that His departure would allow for something greater to come: "For if I do not go away, the
Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." This Helper is the Holy Spirit, and Jesus
wanted His disciples to understand that having the Spirit dwelling within them would be even better than
having Jesus physically present with them.


Many of us have thought, "If only I could have been there with Jesus, seen His miracles, and heard His
teaching directly—then faith would be easy!" But Jesus flips this idea completely. He tells us that we who
live after His resurrection and the coming of the Spirit are actually in a more privileged position than the
disciples were before the cross.


What Does the Holy Spirit Do in the World?

Jesus outlines three specific ways the Holy Spirit works in the world:

First, He convicts the world concerning sin - The Spirit exposes the true nature of sin, which at its core is
unbelief in Jesus. Humanity isn't just guilty of sin; we're blind to it. The Spirit reveals our desperate
need for a Savior.

Second,  He convicts the world concerning righteousness - The Spirit reveals true righteousness in light of
Christ's return to the Father. He shows us that our own righteousness will never be enough, and only
through Christ can we be made right before a holy God.

And Third, He convicts the world concerning judgment - The Spirit makes known that Satan, "the ruler of this
world," has already been judged and defeated at the cross. Evil does not win, and all who reject Christ
will face the same judgment.


Why Do Christians Face Opposition?

Jesus wanted His followers to understand that opposition would come. When the Holy Spirit dwells in you
and you walk according to His leading, you become a walking billboard declaring to the enemy and the
world that they are dead in their sin. Your supernatural life shines light on their spiritual death.
To follow Christ is to experience both real joy and real opposition. We live on a battlefield, and though
Jesus won the war on Easter Sunday, the battle for human souls, and the faithfulness of God's church
continues daily.


How Has the Western Church Been Uniquely Deceived?

In the Western world, we've been subtly deceived into denying our need for the Holy Spirit. Our education,
technology, and prosperity have led us to believe we don't really need the Spirit's power. We talk about
Him and sing about Him, but many of us live as if He's optional.

This explains why missionaries often see more supernatural manifestations of the Spirit's power in other
parts of the world. In places where people recognize their desperate need for God's power, the Spirit moves
in extraordinary ways.


What Is the Spirit's Ultimate Purpose?

Jesus makes it clear: "He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you." The ultimate
purpose of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Jesus. He doesn't draw attention to Himself or create spiritual
experiences based on feelings. His whole mission is to make Christ known to our minds, hearts, and
through our lives to the world.

"The Spirit shines a spotlight on Jesus so we can see Him as He really is: risen, reigning, victorious, and
worthy of our whole lives.

How Is the Spirit's Work Different Now Than in the Old Testament?

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon people for specific purposes, often temporarily. David
prayed, "Take not your Holy Spirit from me" (Psalm 51:11) because he had seen God remove His Spirit
from King Saul.

But after Pentecost, everything changed. The Spirit no longer comes and goes; He seals us, indwells us,
and transforms us from the inside out. Paul says in Ephesians 1 that the Spirit Himself is the guarantee of
our salvation.

The Spirit's work in the Old Testament was like a trailer for a coming movie. At Pentecost, the full movie
arrived, God's Spirit taking up permanent residence in His people.


Life Application

The Holy Spirit isn't an optional add-on to our faith; He's essential to living the Christian life as God
intended. Here are some questions to consider this week:


1) Am I living in dependence on the Holy Spirit, or am I trying to follow Jesus in my own strength?

2) How might my life look different if I truly believed the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me?

3) What areas of my life have I been reluctant to surrender to the Spirit's guidance and power?

​4) How can I become more attentive to the Spirit's voice and leading in my daily life?


This week, challenge yourself to start each day with a simple prayer:

"Holy Spirit, I acknowledge my need for You today.
Lead me, guide me, and empower me to glorify Jesus in everything I do."

Then watch for His work in and through you as you walk in dependence on Him.

For His Glory, and our good
​- Pastor Rodney