Better?

Disciples are learners; listening to Jesus, they obey what He says. At the most basic level, they agree with Him.

At least that’s what I tell myself.

I acknowledge that Jesus is never wrong, but sometimes, my heart isn’t in sync with His. 

Here’s an example:

“But 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 (NIV)

That early phrase bugs me: “It is for your good that I am going away.” I can’t imagine any of the twelve apostles thinking, “Excellent, Jesus is leaving us!” I wouldn’t! 

The New International Version doesn’t mistranslate the verse. Here’s how other versions render it:

• Christian Standard Bible: “It is for your benefit that I go away.”
• King James Version: “It is expedient for you that I go away.”
• New King James Version: “It is to your advantage that I go away.”
• Young’s Literal Translation: “It is better for you that I go away.”

Were I in the shoes (sandals!) of Christ’s original disciples, I wouldn’t have rejoiced over such news. Having given up everything for Him (see Matthew 19:27), why would they want Jesus to leave them? They’ve recognized Him as the Messiah (see Matthew 16:16); the Lord’s departure isn’t part of their plans!

Staving off objections, Jesus explains Himself. His exit signals the arrival of the Holy Spirit. And in Christ’s opinion, that’s better for the disciples.

Do you agree? Would you rather have a physical Jesus or an invisible and intangible Spirit? I’d choose Jesus!

But relationship is not at issue here; ministry is. Hours away from His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, Jesus’ service was almost finished. His disciples weren’t counting on the cross; they expected Him to rule Israel and usher in the kingdom of God. 

Had Jesus done so, the kingdom would have been empty because no one deserved to get in. A King alone in His kingdom–not a pretty picture!

To deliver people from their sins and make them right with God, Christ had to die on the cross. The Father honored this work by raising Him from the dead (see Philippians 2:8-10). The price now paid, people can gain access to God.

But someone has to spread the word! That’s why Jesus commissioned His disciples as witnesses. And He promised them the Spirit who would bless their testimony like He had anointed Christ’s words.

Yes, we yearn to behold the physical presence of Jesus. That’s a good desire. But our responsibilities demand the gift of the Spirit to make us effective and fruitful. For service to the Lord, that’s better.

One day we’ll see Jesus face to face; He’s promised to come back and take us to Himself (see John 14:3). But until that day, we have work to do. To share the gospel and make disciples, we need the Spirit. To remain loyal to Jesus when we face rejection and pressure, we rely on the Comforter. Not only will He bless our works, He will also prepare us to see Jesus.

What Jesus did on earth is great. What He continues to do through us by His Spirit–that’s better!