May 20, 2025
The Helper - Part 2
John 16:7
05/20/2025
7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your
advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away,
the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I
will send him to you. (ESV)
Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, ``Are you a king?'' ``Jesus
answered, `My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of
this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might
not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the
world.'''[1] This spiritual kingdom is the Church, those who
believe and trust that Jesus suffered, died, and rose again to
pay the price of their sin. Although Jesus would no longer be
visible to the Church, He made a promise to the disciples.
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your
advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the
Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send
him to you.
Once Jesus had accomplished His mission of paying the price
for all sins, once He gave His life for the salvation of all
people, the Holy Spirit caused that message of hope to be spread
throughout the world. For forty days after Easter, Jesus proved
to His disciples and many other witnesses that the bonds of death
are broken, the tomb is empty.
The Kingdom of God is not found in the visible things of
this world. The Kingdom of God is the truth that the Father sent
His only-begotten Son to redeem and deliver us from the power of
the devil. He governs us as a King of Righteousness, life, and
salvation against sin, death, and an evil conscience.
It is the work of the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to call,
gather, and enlighten the Church with the truth of God's grace,
love, and mercy.
May our Lord grant us the faith to recognize Jesus as the
Lord of the Church, the one who has reconciled us to God the
Father. Amen.
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1. John 18:36 (ESV)