November 20, 2022
May 19, 2020
John 16:5-11
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Now I am going to the one who sent me,
and not one of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’
But because I told you this, grief has filled your hearts.
But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go.
For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you.
But if I go, I will send him to you.
And when he comes he will convict the world
in regard to sin and righteousness and condemnation:
sin, because they do not believe in me;
righteousness, because I am going to the Father
and you will no longer see me;
condemnation, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.”
Imagine you are attending your company dinner. It’s great because your CEO is absolutely the best.
He’s done miracles with the company. He’s grown it to the point it’s bursting at the seams. He does so much good work for the community and the poor. He’s a great philanthropist – helping all kinds of causes.
So, everyone is very excited to be at the dinner. Something big is happening.
So, he gets up and gives his “state of the company” speech. He talks about big changes coming and how things will change. He talks about the fact he will be leaving and going to headquarters but he promises he will be sending someone of his choosing to take over. Not just that, but he will be leaving soon after the dinner.
Everyone is stunned. It takes a moment but the reality sets in and you begin to grieve. Everyone is hurt, angry and sad.
That dinner was a real doozy, right?
That dinner was the “Last Supper” from the Gospel of John. Jesus has been telling us what was coming. But, no one really understood. No one grasped the gravity of what was happening.
So, the Apostles are grieving. Jesus says, maybe from exasperation, that he has been preparing them and now the time is here. They should be happy he’s going to the Father – but they’re grieving. I’m not sure about you, but I would be grieving losing this guy, Jesus, who I’ve come to love.
So, he says, if he doesn’t go then the promised one, The Advocate can’t come. Why? Because, he’s the one who’s sending him.
So, they need to pull themselves together and celebrate Jesus’ coming Ascension because, things are about to get real.
What I Heard Him Say 