Why Jesus Had to Leave: Understanding the Advantage of His Departure

When sorrow fills your heart, it’s hard to believe anything good could come out of loss. That’s exactly where the disciples were when Jesus began to speak openly about His departure. In John 16:5–7, Jesus tells them something completely unexpected:

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away…”

How could that be? The One who calmed storms, healed the sick, and spoke words of life was about to leave—and yet, He insisted this was good news. Let’s explore why Jesus’ departure wasn’t a loss, but a divine strategy for something greater.

1. Sorrow Skewed Their Vision

Jesus gently pointed out that none of them had truly asked, “Where are You going?” (John 16:5). Yes, Peter and Thomas had asked similar questions earlier, but their focus wasn’t really on Jesus—it was on themselves. They weren’t concerned with where Jesus was going, only with what His absence would mean for them. Their hearts were full of grief, not curiosity.

Jesus understood this. He didn’t scold them; He acknowledged their sorrow. But He didn’t let sorrow have the final word. Instead, He gave them a “nevertheless”—a word that confronts doubt, grief, and fear with unshakable truth.

2. Why It Was to Their Advantage

At face value, nothing about Jesus’ death looked advantageous. Was it to their advantage that their beloved Teacher would be arrested, beaten, mocked, crucified, and buried? That His miracles and teachings would seemingly come to an end? Humanly speaking—absolutely not.

But Jesus saw what they couldn’t.

“If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7)

The Holy Spirit—the very Spirit of God—would come because Jesus left. And not just to dwell with them, but in them. This wasn’t a downgrade. It was an upgrade.

3. The Hidden Blessings of His Absence

What could possibly be better than having Jesus physically beside you? Here’s what He revealed:

His presence became unlimited.
When Jesus was on earth, He was confined to one place at a time. But through the Spirit, He could be with every believer, everywhere. Now, wherever two or three gather in His name—He is there (Matthew 18:20).
His truth became more accessible.
If Jesus stayed bodily on earth, we might have endless recordings of His every word. But thanks to His departure, we have the inspired Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth—clear, focused, and accessible.
Our faith matured.
Jesus’ bodily presence could have made it harder for us to live by faith and not by sight. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:16 that we are called to know Him no longer “according to the flesh,” but through the Spirit—where our trust is rooted deeply in faith, not just physical evidence.
He reigns in victory.
Jesus’ departure meant His work was finished. He isn’t still suffering on a cross—He is enthroned in heaven, interceding for us. His victory is complete, and we can rest in that.

4. Evidence in the Disciples’ Transformation

Before Jesus left, the disciples were fearful, confused, and self-centered. But after the Holy Spirit came, everything changed. They became bold, wise, surrendered, and Spirit-led. Peter preached to thousands. Stephen faced death with peace. Paul carried the gospel to the nations.

Their transformation wasn’t because Jesus stayed—but because He left and sent the Helper.

Truly, It Was to Our Advantage

We often struggle to see the good in goodbyes, especially when it comes to matters of faith. But in John 16, Jesus gives us a powerful reminder: God’s plans are often hidden behind the veil of sorrow.

His leaving wasn’t a sign of absence—it was the beginning of something greater. The Spirit who raised Christ from the dead now lives in us. His presence is with you when you’re praying in solitude, when you’re facing hardship, when you’re gathered in worship, or when you feel utterly alone.

So if you ever find yourself asking, “Why did Jesus have to go?”—remember His words:

“It is to your advantage that I go away.”

And because He did, the Spirit has come. And now, God is not just with us—He’s within us. That’s not a loss. That’s the greatest gain.

Are you walking in the advantage Jesus gave you? Let the Helper guide you today.