At Pentecost

The most stimulating statements ever made on our behalf were made by the sandal‑clad man from Galilee―Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

One of these statements that did―and still could!―transform the world, was made by him as he faced the sorrowing eleven in the Upper Room. This is how eyewitness John recorded it:

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 (John 16:7, NIV).

Those words must have staggered the eleven, for they had left all to follow Jesus. During their years of training they had laughed with him, eaten with him, traveled with him, been instructed by him and rebuked by him; and, on one memor­able occasion, he had even paid impulsive Peter’s taxes.

But what did that incredible statement mean?

It meant that Jesus, imprisoned in his physical body, could only be at a single place at a single time. In contrast, the Holy Spirit, also known as the Counselor, the Comforter, and by many other titles, could be at all places and in all hearts at the same time.