It’s really good news that Jesus isn’t here today.
That sounds shocking, but it’s exactly what Jesus says in John 16. He tells his disciples that it is actually for their good that he is going away, that he will no longer be walking bodily with them on earth.
“Very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7)
At first glance that feels upside down. Surely it would be better to have Jesus physically present. How could his absence ever be good news? Park that question for a moment, because Jesus is preparing his disciples for what lies ahead, and preparation is a major theme in this section of John’s Gospel. Jesus has already made it clear that life with him will not be easy. There are two camps, he has said, you can be with him or with the world. Following Christ brings joy, peace, purpose, and life—but not ease. As he warned earlier, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Right expectations matter. If you expect an easy road, you may give up when hardship comes.
At the end of this section Jesus tells us his big purpose: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Everything he says here is meant to bring peace in the middle of trouble, and preparation for the twelve in all that lies ahead.
One crucial reminder before we dive in: These words are originally and primarily delivered directly to the twelve apostles. These words are for us, but they are not first spoken to us. Remembering that helps us understand what Jesus means—and what he doesn’t mean.
1. Departure then Arrival
Jesus tells the disciples he is going back to the Father, and they are filled with grief. Grief clouds understanding. Earlier they asked sharp questions; now they seem stunned and silent. Then Jesus drops the bombshell: it is good for them that he is going away. Why? Because his departure means the arrival of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. “Advocate” is a rich word—one who comes alongside to help, guide, support, and strengthen.
The Spirit is a gift to indwell every believer, but Jesus primarily speaks here about the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Apostles: there is much more they need to know, but they can’t bear it yet. When the Spirit comes, he will guide them into all truth. These men will become the foundational eyewitnesses of the Christian faith and the authors of the New Testament. This is not about ongoing new revelation for everyone; it is about God giving his final, authoritative word through the apostles.
The Spirit’s work always has a focus: “He will glorify me,” says Jesus. The Holy Spirit shines the spotlight on Christ. He leads people to faith in Jesus, helps believers follow Jesus, and directs us to the words of Jesus. If we want to be Spirit-filled, we must make much of Christ.
The Spirit also works in the world by bringing conviction—showing the world to be wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment. At the heart of sin is unbelief: rejecting Jesus. The Spirit’s work in the world is not to affirm other faiths or philosophies, but to expose falsehood and draw people to Christ.
2. Grief then Joy
Jesus speaks of a “little while” when the disciples will not see him, followed by another “little while” when they will. They are confused, perhaps as grief and fear swirl together. Jesus is speaking of the cross and the resurrection. His death will feel like devastating defeat, while the world rejoices. But that grief will turn to joy.
Using the image of childbirth, Jesus promises a joy so deep that it overwhelms the pain that came before. The resurrection will change everything. We live on the other side of that reality, seeing the whole story clearly. The pattern remains true: weeping may last for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
3. Metaphor then Clarity
Jesus acknowledges that he has been speaking figuratively, but a time is coming when everything will be plain. Through his death, resurrection, and return to the Father, the disciples will be brought into a clear understanding, and living relationship with God as Father.
In Christ, shadows become reality. In Christ, figurative language gives way to clarity. And that is why it really is good news that Jesus is not here physically tonight. He has returned to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit, who gave us the Scriptures through the Apostles, who comes alongside us now, and who leads us to trust the Son.
Jesus has told us these things so that we may have peace. Trouble will come—but take heart. He has overcome the world.
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You can watch the whole sermon below, read the full text, download the service sheet (with outline).
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