Without them knowing, Jesus was preparing his disciples for his coming death. It is fitting to read these words today, the Thursday before Good Friday. Jesus shared these words with his disciples on the night before his death. Jesus knew that he would die, but that he would rise and return to heaven.

 

Would the world not be a much better place if Jesus could have stayed with us here on earth after his resurrection? I have often thought about this – how wonderful it would be to fly to Jerusalem and have a personal interview with my Lord. However, every believer on earth would also want to spend time with Jesus. How much time would I want to sit at his feet? If he could give me just five minutes, he would be able to see 12 people an hour, 120 people in a 10-hour workday. In five minutes with Jesus, I would not be satisfied that all my cares and burdens would have been dealt with. But, millions of people would never get an appointment with Jesus in their lifetimes, there are just too many people for him to see in his human capacity.

 

This is why Jesus had to go back to his Father’s house. He gave us the instruction to keep his commands. We will see next week that his one command is to love one another as he loves us (John 15:12). We are here to share his love with this world. We are continuing his mission. We do not do it alone or with our own power. He has given us “another advocate”, in Greek he is named the “parakletos”. The “advocate” is a good translation. It tells of someone with much more knowledge and insight, guiding us and helping us.

 

The Spirit of God teaches us the truth. He teaches us who God is and he uses the Bible to transform our lives. He lives within us, guiding us, giving us the power to change, to be recreated more and more into the image of Christ.

 

The Spirit of God guides us on the path of life, until Jesus returns to fetch us. His presence in my life is God’s guarantee that I will reach my destination, following in Jesus’ footsteps, until we arrive at our Father’s house.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for setting me free. Tomorrow, we will remember with the Church that you have died for us. You have given me new life. Thank you for your Spirit living in me, helping me to grow and be transformed into your image. Amen.