---

I. THE EXPEDIENCY OF CHRIST'S DEPARTURE. How could they, poor sheep, be better off in the midst of wolves without a shepherd? A few things remembered may make it a little clearer.

1. The Master has a work to do for us in heaven. His work was not all done on Calvary. His intercession is the sequel and continuation of redemption.

2. His departure prepared the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit.

3. Be could not be with them in the fullest sense unless He left them.

4. His departure raised and spiritualized their conceptions.

5. His departure made them better men. Even after three years with Jesus they were but children in understanding and power. We have their portraits before and after His departure, and so changed are they that one could hardly believe them the same men.

II. THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. This is twofold.

1. Upon the world (vers. 8-11). The Master mentions three distinct points as to which the Spirit will reprove or convict the world: "sin," "righteousness," "judgment." Then, resuming each point separately, He shows more particularly what the Spirit will do. The first work of the Holy Spirit is to convince of sin — of all sins, but chiefly of the sin of rejecting Christ. All sin has its root in unbelief, and the most aggravating form of unbelief is the rejection of Jesus Christ. This is the one great, comprehensive, all-inclusive sin of ungodly men. He next convinces the world of the righteousness of God's whole dispensation, but especially of Christ's personal righteousness. The world accounted Jesus guilty. It would also be the special function of the Spirit to keep alive the idea of judgment. He teaches the world moral and spiritual discernment, and vivifies their views of the final judgment.

2. The mission of the Holy Spirit among believers. As He turns to His disciples Jesus says: "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." But they are told of a Guide who shall lead them into all truth.

(G. W. Brown.)

---

---

KJV: Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

WEB: Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don't go away, the Counselor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.