I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, "Where are you going?" But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 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. — John 16:4-7

So we discover that Jesus held out on his men. He didn't tell them everything. And you know what that is? That's wisdom and discernment. Jesus knew there was a right time to disclose certain information to them. Like I know there is a right time to have specific conversations with my wife, boss, and friends. And there are a few things he had not told them, mainly: He is leaving. He is going to the Father. He is sending the Holy Spirit.

This feels like the moment a parent drops their child off for their first day of school or college. It's a challenging moment. And that's because it's a definitive change in the relationship, primarily when you have relied so heavily on someone for so long. And this can be unsettling, considering that Jesus just told them about the persecution they will endure.

So notice what Jesus does. He gives the disciples three things:

1. A truth. He tells them the whole truth about the situation, including the trials they'll face.
2. A promise. When he leaves, he promises to send someone to them.
3. An advantage. That advantage is the Holy Spirit; He is even better than having Him physically present to them.

But we have to participate in his truth, promise, and advantage by:

1. Accepting his truth. This includes the truth about the good news and the bad news.
2. Believing his promise. This includes believing his promise despite being persecuted or lonely.
3. Receiving the advantage. This includes acknowledging the Holy Spirit by unlearning the old way of doing things and doing the spiritual life with the Helper.

Church, I think many believers fail to enjoy these gifts from Jesus. Like little children, they stay home, don't get on the bus, and go to school. They declare faith in Jesus but never get out into the world and live by faith. They never fully accept his truth, only their truth. They don't trust his promises, only their feelings. They don't learn to walk in the advantage of the Spirit but do everything on their own ability. They merely accepted the idea of Jesus, got their ticket to heaven, and then went about their everyday lives. Thus, they have missed out on all the gifts Jesus gives to the disciples right here.

So here's your challenge today.

Don't just say you follow Jesus. Live like you do. Read his truth, trust in his promises, and welcome the advantage of the Holy Spirit in your life. Stop being an immature little child - get out there an live all in for Jesus.

ASK THIS:

1. In what areas of your life have you merely accepted the idea of Jesus without genuinely living in His truth or trusting His promises? How can you move from mere acknowledgment to active faith, embracing the advantage of the Holy Spirit?
2. Reflecting on Jesus's wisdom in disclosing information at the right time, where might you need to exercise more discernment in your relationships and communication? How can you follow His example of wisdom and timing in your daily interactions?

DO THIS: Stop being immature.

PRAY THIS: Lord Jesus, guide me to truly embrace Your truth, trust Your promises, and walk daily in the advantage of the Holy Spirit. Help me to grow in wisdom and discernment so that I may follow You wholeheartedly, living a life that reflects Your love and purpose. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Trust In You.