“It Is to Your Advantage That I Go Away”
Seeking Jesus First - July 23, 2026
Holy Spirit Part A
“It Is to Your Advantage That I Go Away”
Please Read John 16:5–11 (NKJV)
Reflection
The disciples were filled with sorrow because Jesus had told them He was leaving. Jesus answered their grief with these surprising words:
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.”
Why was it better for the Holy Spirit to come than for Jesus to remain physically present? Jesus in His earthly body could only be in one place at a time. If He had stayed, every believer would have had to come to Him the way the original disciples did. Their reach would have been limited. But the Holy Spirit can be with every believer and in every believer at the same time, everywhere.
Jesus went on to describe the Spirit’s work:
“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”
The Holy Spirit convicts the world of the true nature of sin (unbelief in Jesus), of true righteousness (found only in Christ), and of judgment (the defeat of the enemy). This is not harsh condemnation — it is the Spirit’s loving work of bringing people to the truth so they can turn to Jesus.
Application
Today, thank God that Jesus went away so the Holy Spirit could come. The Helper is not limited by time or place. He lives in you.
Renew your mind with this truth: It is to your advantage that the Spirit has come. Ask Him to deepen your awareness of His presence and to continue His work of conviction and guidance in your life. Yield to Him today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You that Jesus went away so the Helper could come. Thank You that the Holy Spirit lives in us and is not limited by physical presence. Forgive us for the times we have preferred the visible over the indwelling. Renew our minds today to welcome the Spirit’s ministry. Let Him convict, guide, and lead us into all truth. In Jesus’ name, giving thanks for the living Word of the Lord. Amen.