John 16:7—‘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.”
The disciples were overwhelmed with sorrow as Jesus spoke of His departure. They could not imagine how His leaving could possibly benefit them. Yet Christ assured them, “It is expedient for you that I go away”. What appeared to be a painful loss was, in God's perfect plan, intended for their lasting spiritual gain. Christ's departure was not a loss to His church but the necessary means by which the blessings of His finished work would be effectually bestowed upon His people.
Jesus' departure referred to His death, resurrection, ascension, and exaltation to the Father's right hand. His death secured atonement, His resurrection declared His victory over sin and death, and His ascension and exaltation inaugurated His heavenly reign as the Mediator and High Priest. From His exalted position, Christ would send the Holy Spirit, according to the Father's promise (John 15:26; Acts 2:33), to apply the redemption He had accomplished and to equip the church to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).
The Spirit was not absent from God's people before Christ's ascension, for He had long regenerated, sanctified, and empowered believers (Deut. 30:6; Ps. 51:10-12). His coming at Pentecost inaugurated the fullness of His new covenant ministry, bringing illumination, sanctification, assurance, and spiritual gifts for the church's service.
The disciples naturally desired Christ's visible, bodily presence, yet the divine plan was that His church would be strengthened through the ministry of the unseen, yet present Holy Spirit in their lives. The Spirit does not draw attention to Himself but glorifies Christ (John 16:14) through the Word, producing conformity to His image.
Believers, therefore, should never think themselves abandoned. Though Christ is now enthroned in heaven as our great High Priest and Advocate, He has not left His church comfortless and helpless. He has sent His Spirit to abide with us forever (John 14:16). Let us therefore walk daily in humble dependence upon the Holy Spirit who Christ has sent to us.