“Jesus Has Gone Away For Our Good!”

“Jesus Has Gone Away For Our Good!”(Jn.16:5-11).
One of the baffling questions of faith is, “Why is the supposed Friday on which Jesus died called ‘Good Friday?'”
It is only in rare cases that some people jubilate at the death of somebody. From a human standpoint it does not make sense to say the day a loved one died is a good one.
Nevertheless, it is obvious that depraved minds and egocentric persons do rejoice when some people die.
Our text for meditation today is one of those texts where Jesus himself gives us a good reason why we should take it that it was a Good day for us when he died.
He told his disciples, “Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you…” He said this in relation to his upcoming death; but also in connection to his ascension.
We note that John does not directly mention the ascension like the other three evangelists have done. John however infers the ascension. When at the tomb he appeared to Mary Magdalene he told her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not returned to the Father…”(Jn.20:17a). Again, when Peter asked him concerning the disciple whom he Jesus loved, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?…”(Jn.21:20-22).
Earlier in his ministry when he predicted his death, he said inter-alia, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself”(Jn.12:32). There is a sense in which this refers to his crucifixion as well as his ascension into heaven.
What is of value is that it was for our good that he should go back to the Father, just as it was for our good that he should die.
We have the Counselor because the ascended Lord sent him.
The Holy Spirit has a threefold assignment viz:
First is to convict the world of guilt in regard to sin. People hardly see themselves as sinners because they do not believe in Jesus Christ. On the other hand, unbelief is a classic example of sin.
Secondly, the Holy Spirit convicts the world in regard to righteousness. This is a righteousness brought about by the sacrificial death of Christ(Rom.1:17). It is only the Holy Spirit who can reveal to a person that a righteous status before God does not depend on good works, but on the merits of Christ’s death on the cross. Call it, “Redeeming grace!”
Lastly, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of judgment because Satan – an already fallen angel – has by the death, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ been crushed. Satan is not only completely finished, he is finished completely!
My friend, may the Holy Spirit take off the scale from our eyes for us to realise that God’s grace in Jesus Christ is more than enough for us.
Prayer: Holy Spirit help me to remain focused on this wonderful and marvellous grace of God through Jesus Christ. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.