“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.”– John 16:7 (KJV)
“But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.”– John 16:7 (NLT)
“But here’s the truth: It’s better for you that I leave. If I don’t leave, the Friend won’t come. If I go, I’ll send him to you.”– John 16:7 (MSG)
What Does John 16:7 Mean?
When reading John 16:7, it’s important to grasp the depth of what Jesus was saying to His disciples. He was preparing them for a big change; he was preparing to leave. This news was alarming and troubling for His friends, the disciples. They had walked with Him, learned from Him, and depended on Him during His ministry. Understanding His departure was critical for them. We can think of it this way: it’s like when we know a close friend is moving away, and we feel sad about losing them. Jesus acknowledges their feelings by telling them that it’s actually for their good that He leaves. This opening statement begins to unravel a profound truth regarding Jesus’ mission and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ words emphasize the necessity of His departure. The reason given is astonishing: if He does not leave, the Comforter, referred to here as the Holy Spirit, will not come. This suggests that the mission of the Holy Spirit is connected directly to Jesus’ ascension. In a way, Jesus’ physical departure was essential in paving the path for a new and powerful presence in the lives of believers. With the Holy Spirit’s arrival, the disciples, and all future believers, would gain direct access to God’s guidance, wisdom, strength, and comfort in a way they couldn’t have had while He was physically present with them.
This important message reveals that God has a plan, and sometimes that plan might not align with our immediate desires or understanding. If we trust Him and the timing of His actions, we can experience profound transformation in our lives. It also teaches us that change, while sometimes difficult, can be a necessary part of growth.
John 16:7 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we can unpack several layers of meaning that Jesus communicates. He starts by affirmatively declaring, “it is expedient.” This indicates that it is not just beneficial but actually necessary for Him to go. Why is it necessary? Jesus explains that without His departure, the Comforter—another name for the Holy Spirit—would not come. Here, Jesus introduces the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit serves multiple functions: He teaches, guides, and comforts us through our journey. By sending the Holy Spirit, Jesus ensures that His presence and guidance would not be limited to His physical existence. Instead, the Holy Spirit would live in the hearts of believers, providing them with strength and direction.
When we reflect on the promise of the Holy Spirit, we see that it was meant for everyone. This was revolutionary! Jesus was telling His disciples that all who believe in Him would have the ability to experience His guidance intimately. The Holy Spirit would not just be a distant concept. He would be a companion, a teacher, and an advocate. This relationship transforms the way we interact with God. It means that we are never alone. No matter where we are or what we are facing, we have a Comforter walking alongside us.
As we ponder upon this concept, we should take comfort in knowing that change can lead to new beginnings. If we are experiencing upheaval in our lives—a move, a new job, or even the loss of a loved one—it can be difficult. However, we should consider that perhaps this change is allowing God to work in our lives in a new way, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through our transitions. God often uses these moments to draw us closer to Him, and to teach us to rely on His wisdom instead of our own understanding.
In conclusion, Jesus promises that His departure is not meant to harm us but to open a new chapter filled with potential. The promise of the Comforter reminds us of our ongoing relationship with God, one that continues despite changes in circumstances.
Context of John 16:7
Understanding the context of John 16:7 requires us to explore the events occurring during this time. Jesus has been communicating to His disciples about His impending death, resurrection, and ascension. He is preparing them for the reality that soon, they will not have Him physically present. The disciples had witnessed remarkable acts and teachings during their time with Jesus, and the prospect of losing Him stirred fear and confusion.
In this atmosphere, Jesus conveys a powerful message of hope. He reassures them that this transition is crucial for their growth and spiritual development. It is essential to recognize that the disciples had witnessed fear and doubt even in prior days. They had struggled to comprehend the full nature of Jesus’ identity and mission. This moment becomes a turning point in which they are encouraged to prepare for deeper spiritual realities ahead. It’s critical for them to understand that the Holy Spirit will empower them to continue the mission of sharing God’s love and truth after Jesus’ departure.
As we consider the greater context of John’s Gospel, we see it written in a way that builds to this specific moment. This chapter encompasses several key themes: the importance of remaining in Jesus’ love, the role of the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and the assurance of faith through trials. Each piece contributes to a larger picture where the disciples are called to transition from following Jesus as He physically leads them to conducting His mission by being equipped with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
This transition is not merely about the loss of a physical being; it embodies the establishment of a new relationship between believers and God through the Holy Spirit. Jesus emphasizes this need for connection, empowerment, and comfort, reinforcing that familiarity with the Holy Spirit’s presence will guide them through trials and tribulations.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 16:7
To unpack John 16:7, we can break it down into its key components. Beginning with the phrase “nevertheless,” we sense an important shift. This word is conveying something significant. It indicates that regardless of their worries or fears, something essential is being highlighted. The context surrounding this moment cannot be ignored; it elicits emotions of sadness and apprehension amongst the disciples. They find it hard to fathom a world without Jesus by their side. Yet, Jesus affirms, “It is expedient for you that I go away.” This statement insists that there is a greater purpose at play. It signals that change, while challenging, can lead to something better.
Jesus continues by explaining: “for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come.” Here lies a crucial revelation. The Holy Spirit, defined in many ways as a helper, is waiting to become active in believers’ lives. The arrival of the Holy Spirit signals a shift in how God interacts with humanity; it points to an evolution in the relationship we can all have with Him. Rather than depending solely on the physical presence of Jesus, the Holy Spirit will dwell within believers, offering guidance, encouragement, and peace in their hearts and minds.
When we explore the identity of the Comforter more thoroughly, we might consider names attributed to Him, such as the Advocate, Helper, or Counselor. Each of these describes a role that aligns with our needs. In many ways, we can view the Holy Spirit as an extension of Christ’s ministry, continuing to empower and equip believers to fulfill the calling placed on their lives.
This promise that Jesus makes is liberating! It opens the door for all believers to have a personal and ongoing relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. We are no longer limited to simply relying on an external presence. Instead, we carry God’s very Spirit within us. That Spirit equips us to face challenges, encourages us to comfort others, teaches us God’s truth, and empowers us to fulfill our purpose.
Lessons to Learn From John 16:7
As we consider the lessons that John 16:7 provides, we can take away profound insights about transition, trust, and the nature of spiritual companionship. First and foremost, we are called to trust in God’s plan even if we do not see the complete picture. Jesus asked His disciples to trust Him despite their fears. Likewise, we can be assured that God has our best interests in mind even during periods of uncertainty. Trust requires faith that God is always working, even when we struggle to understand why things happen the way they do.
The second lesson we can carry with us is the importance of embracing the Holy Spirit in our lives. Knowing that we have a constant source of support, guidance, and comfort should inspire confidence in our daily walk. Just as the early disciples were promised the arrival of the Comforter, we too are promised that same guidance and presence. We should actively invite the Holy Spirit to lead us in our decisions and challenges. It is a reminder that we are never alone and that help is always within reach. If we take the time to develop our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we will find ourselves growing spiritually.
Additionally, we learn that change can be an opportunity for growth. While change might feel intimidating, we should view it as a chance to step into something new. God often uses change to refine us, leading us toward deeper understanding and purpose. Whenever we experience a moment of transition in our lives, we can remind ourselves that God is maneuvering things for our good. Just as the disciples were about to experience a transformative moment through the arrival of the Holy Spirit, we too may encounter experiences that navigate us to greater dependency on God and His promises.
Lastly, let us remember the role of the Comforter as an encourager and advocate. The Holy Spirit doesn’t just come to comfort but also to remind us of God’s truth. We benefit from consulting the Holy Spirit regularly for guidance in our decisions, relationships, and interactions. Understanding that we have an Advocate cheering us on should bring us peace, knowing we have divine support in our lives.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on John 16:7, we recognize the substantial implications this verse holds for our faith and daily living. By foreshadowing the arrival of the Holy Spirit, Jesus illuminates the way God wishes to connect with each one of us personally. It teaches us the significance of trust, and it is a beautiful reminder of the divine assistance available to every believer.
In times of uncertainty and worry, we can draw strength and encouragement from Jesus’ promise. We look forward to the guidance and comfort that comes from the Holy Spirit, knowing we are not alone in our journey. Through the compatibility of divine joy and peace, we learn to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. So, let us cultivate this relationship with the Holy Spirit and trust in the plans that God has for us. We can encourage one another to lean into our faith and to celebrate the profound truth that we have a Helper amongst us.
As we finish thinking about this essential verse, we invite you to explore more topics that can enrich your understanding of scripture and deepen your relationship with God. Consider visiting some of these related topics: John 7:13, Numbers 13:23, or John 7:12. Each of these passages can provide further insight and encouragement.