The Gospel of John - The Holy Spirit (Part 3)

Throughout the book of John, Jesus just can’t stop talking about the Holy Spirit. In fact, when you get to John 16, Jesus says something that is jaw-dropping. “Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7, CSB) Jesus, what did you just say? Imagine for a minute that you’re in their place. You’ve left everything to follow Him and be with Him -- family, career, friends, and now you tell us you’re leaving? Then he has the audacity to add, "And it’s a good thing for you that I’m going." Uh hu. What do parents always say to kids before they spank them? It’s going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you," and every kid thinks, "Well, spank yourself, then, if that’s the way you feel about it." I used to think, “I’d give anything to have lived back when Jesus lived, to hear His voice, to see His face, to touch Him.” But Jesus says it is better to live in the era of the Spirit than it is to walk with Him on this earth. Jesus is saying that you and I are more fortunate than His disciples were. We have the advantage over those that lived with Him. Said another way: “The Holy Spirit inside of you is greater than Jesus beside you.”