Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage is found in the fourteenth chapter of this New Testament book. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place fore you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but my me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord shew us the Father, and it suffice th us. Jesus saith unto him, have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Fathe run me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do this all he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (John 14:1-14). “If ye love e, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in the Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me” (John 14:15-24). “These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it come to pass, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence” (John 14:25-31). When you come to the fourteenth chapter of this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find the beginning of a discourse and exchange which would take place between Jesus and the disciples on the night in which He would be betrayed. In order to truly understand the words which are found in the fourteenth chapter—and not merely the fourteenth chapter but the chapters which come thereafter—there is a great need to recognize the language that is found in the previous chapter. If you turn and direct your attention to the previous chapter of this gospel you will find the apostle John describing the events which would take place during those days after Jesus had aided Lazarus from the grave. It is in the eleventh chapter of this gospel where we read of Lazarus raising Lazarus from the grave and restoring him to life and unto the land of the living. What we find in the final verses of the eleventh chapter as well as in the twelfth chapter is many believing in Jesus because of the indisputable e evidence of the resurrection of Lazarus. There were many in Jerusalem at the time of the feast of the Passover who believed on the person of the Lord Jesus simply because of the undeniable truth surrounding the resurrection of Lazarus from the grave. There were many in the city of Jerusalem who had witnessed and observed the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead and who not only knew that he was sick but also that he had indeed died and been buried in the grave. Moreover there were those who knew that Lazarus had been buried in a cave for four days and that when Jesus showed up at the grave He commanded that the stone be rolled away and removed from the entrance thereof. After the stone was rolled away and removed from the entrance of the tomb Jesus would give thanks to the Father for always hearing Him before speaking directly unto Lazarus who was dead and commanding Him to come forth. It would be when he who was dead heard the voice of the Son of man outside the tomb where his body lay that he would come forth bound hand and foot with graveclothes before Jesus instructed those present to loose him from his grave clothes and go forth. This is something we must needs recognize when seeking to understand the words and language which is found in the fourteenth chapter for it would be here where Jesus would further prepare His disciples for His departure from this world and the return unto His Father. We know there were times throughout the public ministry of the Lord Jesus where He prepared His disciples for the suffering He would face and experience during those days at the hands of the chief priest and scribes of the people. The gospels present us with example after example of Jesus preparing the disciples for His betrayal by one of their own and how He would be delivered into the hands of sinners who would scourge Him before ultimately killing and putting Him to death upon the cross. From the time of Simon Peter’s confession and profession that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God until the night in which Jesus was betrayed He would prepare and make ready His disciples for the suffering He would indeed experience as well as His death and crucifixion which He would face at the hands of the Romans. Although Jesus did not specifically mention the Romans and rather spoke of sinners who would scourge and put Him to death there might very well have been the assumption and understanding who He was talking and speaking about during those days. Time and time again the Lord Jesus would prepare and make ready His disciples for His suffering and death while ultimately rising from death to life on the third day. This is something we must needs recognize and understand when reading the four New Testament gospels for within the gospels we encounter the tremendous truth surrounding Jesus preparing and making His disciples ready for His betrayal, for the suffering He would face, for the death He would endure at the hands of sinners and of His resurrection from the grave on the third day. All of this is something we ought to carefully consider within our own hearts and minds as we read this portion of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John for the apostle John includes something in his gospel that is not present nor is it found in any of the other gospels. It is in this gospel written by the apostle John we encounter the tremendous truth of Jesus declaring unto the Jews as well as unto His own disciples that a little while they would see Him and then a little while they would not see Him. What’s more is Jesus not only declared that in a little while they would not see Him but He also declared that where He was going they could not follow or come with Him. There is a great need to recognize and pay close attention to these words which the Lord Jesus spoke unto the Jews—and not only unto the Jews but also unto His disciples for through these words the Lord Jesus was indeed preparing them for His departure from this earth and subsequent return unto the Father. That place which Jesus would go where they would and could not go would indeed be death and burial, however, we must also recognize that what He was speaking of was His ascension unto the right hand of the Father. Throughout the gospel we find Jesus preparing the Jews and His disciples for the reality of His departure from among them although none of them could understand the words which He had spoken unto them. When Jesus declared unto them how in a little while they would see Him and then in a little while they would not see Him and where He went they could not follow the Jews themselves were thoroughly confused concerning that which He had spoken. The Jews themselves could not understand that which Jesus was speaking of and at one point even asked if He would go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles and speak unto them the same gospel of the kingdom He had spoken and delivered unto them. The more you read the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John the more you can and will encounter the tremendous truth surrounding the Lord Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure from this world and His return unto the Father. At the very heart and center of this gospel is believing in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and receiving Him as the Christ and as the Son of the living God. It is absolutely impossible to read this gospel without and apart from coming face to face with what you believe concerning Jesus of Nazareth and whether or not you receive Him as both Christ and as the Son of the living God. This gospel—perhaps more than the other three—calls and invites you into the place where you must assess and evaluate what you believe concerning the person of the Lord Jesus and whether or not you as the apostle Paul have confessed and are willing to confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe with your heart that the living God had indeed raised Him from death to life. There is absolutely no denying nor mistaking the words and language which is found in this particular passage of Scripture for what we find within it is an incredibly powerful picture of those who did in fact believe in the person of the Lord Jesus and receive Him as the Christ and even as the Son of the living God. Within this gospel we find Andrew Simon Peter’s brother speaking of Him as the Messiah, we find Nathanael declaring Him to be the Son of God, we find Simon Peter confessing and professing Him to be the Christ and the Son of the living God, we find Martha declaring how she believed that Jesus was the Son of the living God while we also read of Jesus declaring unto the woman in Samaria that He was the Messiah and unto the man who was born blind whom He would give sight to that He was the Son of God. Time and time again within this gospel there are accounts and examples of the revelation of Jesus as the Christ and Messiah as well as the Son of the living God. The reason all of this is so incredibly important when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the absolutely wonderful truth that within the gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find Jesus preparing His disciples for His departure from this world and His subsequent return unto the Father. What makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the fact that the way and the path unto the Father would not come without, apart nor absent from suffering. Not only this but the road to the Father would not come without and apart from dying upon the cross and even being buried in the grave until the third day. There is something we must needs recognize and understand when considering the words which are found in this gospel for Jesus would indeed prepare His disciples for His betrayal, for His suffering and for His subsequent death before being raised from death to life on the third day, however, within this gospel alone we find Jesus preparing and making ready His disciples for His departure and return unto the Father. Oh at the end of each of the previous three gospels—the gospels written by the apostle Matthew, by John Mark and by the physician Luke—we find accounts of the ascension of the Lord Jesus unto the Father from the mount of Olives. What’s more is that in the first and opening chapter of the book of Acts we find presented before us the resurrection, the ascension and return of the Lord Jesus Christ all in a wonderful and powerful package for our understanding. Oh it is with this in mind I invite you to consider the words and language which is found in the final chapters of the Synoptic gospels as well as the words which are found in the first and opening chapter of the New Testament book of Acts: “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and speak unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:16-20). “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go. Ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:14-20). “…Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. And he led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen” (Luke 24:45-53). “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room” (Acts 1:1-13). Oh there is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found within these passages of Scripture for they bring us face to face with the tremendous truth surrounding Jesus’ departure from this earth and His subsequent ascension unto heaven and return unto the Father. In the final chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by Matthew we find some of the final instructions Jesus gave unto His disciples before ascending unto the right hand of the Father, however, there is actually no mention of His ascension unto heaven and unto the Father with whom He was with and from whom He had come and been sent. When, however, you come to the gospel narrative written by John Mark you will find the first mention of Jesus’ ascension unto the right hand of the Father for it would be John Mark who would describe Jesus as ascending unto heaven and sitting down at the right hand of the living God. It would be in the final verses of the twenty-fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke we find Jesus leading His disciples out as far as Bethany and lifting up his hands and blessing them. It would come to pass while he blessed them that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven—much like Elijah was parted from Elisha by the Jordan River and carried up to heaven. In fact I would dare say there is a strong and powerful parallel that exists between Jesus’ being parted from the disciples and His followers and subsequent being carried up into heaven and unto the right hand of the Father and the parting of Elijah from Elisha there at the Jordan River. It would be there at the Jordan River after Elisha had walked with and followed Elijah to Bethel, to Jericho and ultimately unto the Jordan River where Elijah would be parted from him and would ultimately be carried up into heaven. What’s more is that there is another striking similarity that exists between Jesus’ ascension unto the right hand of the Father, His being carried up into heaven and the promise of the Father which He would give as a result of His ascension and that which we find in the Old Testament book of Second Kings concerning the carrying up and carrying away of Elijah unto heaven in a whirlwind and within a fiery chariot. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in the Old Testament book of Second Kings for I am absolutely convinced that they must needs be read in order to understand the words and language which we find in this particular section of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John: “And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Beth-el. And Elisha said unto him, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Beth-el. And the sons of the prophets that were at Beth-el came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take way thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, I pray thee thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Jericho. And he said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came to Jericho. And the sons of the prophets that were at Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he answered, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace. And Elijah said unto him, tarry, I pray thee, here: for the LORd hath sent me to Jordan. And he said, As the Lord Liveth, and as they soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And they two went on. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me. And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: neverthless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee: but if not, it shall not be so. And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; and he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? And when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him. And they said unto him, Behoold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, ye shall not send. And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not. And when they came again to him, (for he tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did I not say unto you, Go not?” (2 Kings 2:1-18). THERE APPEARED A CHARIOT OF FIRE, AND HORSES OF FIRE! AND PARTED THEM BOTH ASUNDER! AND ELIJAH WENT UP BY A WHIRLWIND INTO HEAVEN! AND ELISHA SAW IT! AND HE SAW HIM NO MORE! HE TOOK UP ALSO THE MANTLE OF ELIJAH THAT FELL FROM HIM AND WENT BACK! HE TOOK THE MANTLE OF ELIJAH THAT FELL FROM HIM, AND SMOTE THE WATERS, AND SAID, WHERE IS THE GOD OF ELIJAH? THE SPIRIT OF ELIJAH DOTH REST ON ELISHA! Oh I am absolutely convinced there is a great need to recognize the words and language which is found in this particular passage of Scripture for there are strong similarities and parallels which exist between Elijah’s being parted from Elisha, his being carried up into heaven by a whirlwind and Elisha taking up the mantle which fell from Elijah when he was taken from him. I firmly believe we must needs recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding Elijah’s being parted from Elisha as he would be taken up into heaven in a whirlwind. It would be in the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke we read of Jesus leading His disciples and followers as far as Bethany and His being parted from them before His being carried up into heaven and unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. This is something we must needs recognize and understand for the narrative of Elijah and Elisha is incredibly similar to that which we find of Jesus when He ascended unto the right hand of the Father. Just as Elijah would lead Elisha unto Beth-el, and then unto Jericho and ultimately unto Jordan so Jesus would lead the disciples unto Bethany and unto the mount of Olives. Just as Elijah would be parted from Elisha there at the Jordan River so also would Jesus be parted from the disciples there at the mount called Olivet. Just as Elijah would be carried up unto heaven in a whirlwind in the midst of the horses and chariots of fire so too would Jesus be taken and carried up into heaven. Just as Elisha would take up the mantle of Elijah which fell from him as he was being taken up into heaven so also would the disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus—and not only the disciples of the Lord Jesus but all those who would believe on His name throughout the generations—would take up His mantle (so to speak) through the person, the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. If you read the account of Elijah and Elisha in this particular passage of Scripture you will find Elijah asking Elisha on the other side of the Jordan River what he would ask of him what he would before he was taken from him. It would be in response to this Elisha would ask Elijah to allow a double portion of the spirit that was upon Elijah be upon him. Elijah would respond unto Elisha and declare unto him how he had asked a hard thing, however, if he saw him when he was taken from him, it would be so unto him. This is something which we must needs recognize for after Elisha had taken up the mantel which fell from Elijah when he was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind—not only would he smite the waters of the Jordan as Elijah did and pass over on dry ground but the sons of the prophets in Jericho would acknowledge that the spirit of Elijah rested upon Elisha. What’s more is that if you read the account of Elisha up to the time of his death you will read how he performed precisely eight miracles which was in fact double those miracles which Elijah his master had performed. Oh although Elisha would not ask to do greater works or greater miracles than that which Elijah had done he would indeed receive a double portion of the spirit and power that was upon Elijah. This is something we have a great need of recognizing and understanding for it would be Jesus who emphatically declared unto His disciples and followers that greater works than these would they do because He departed and went unto His Father in heaven. Of course we know that Jesus wasn’t declaring unto them that they would do greater works than Him in terms of quality but greater works in quantity since while He was in the flesh He was confined to physical flesh and to one place at a single time. After His departure, however, Jesus would send the promise of the Father which was the person and presence of the Holy Spirit who would enable them to do the same works which He had done. In fact it would be in the final chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by John Mark we find the declaration of the Lord working together with His disciples, with His followers and with His body confirming the word which they preached with signs, wonders and miracles. THE MANTLE OF ELIJAH AND THE COMING OF THE SPIRIT! THE MANTLE OF ELIJAH AND THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER! I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful and powerful truth surrounding the similarity between the mantle of Elijah which would fall from him when he was taken and carried up into heaven and the promise of the Father which would not fall from Jesus but which Jesus would send upon those who obeyed His word and command to tarry in the midst of the city of Jerusalem. Oh this is indeed another similarity that exists between Elisha and the disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ during those days. Elisha was not willing to leave and depart from his master Elijah and wherever he went he would go with, follow and walk with him. With this being said we must needs recognize that it was the Lord Jesus who commanded and instructed the disciples to tarry in the city of Jerusalem until they be endued with power from on high. It would be Jesus Himself who would declare that the disciples would receive power after this and how they would be witnesses unto Him in Jerusalem, In Judaea, in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Just as Elisha needed to walk with and follow Elijah and see him when he was taken from him and carried up into heaven to receive a double portion of the spirit that was upon him so also would the disciples and followers of Jesus need to tarry in the midst of the city of Jerusalem until they be endued with power from on high. It would be after this they would receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon them for they would be witnesses unto Him both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth. In addition to this it is in the first and opening chapter of the book of Acts we find Jesus commanding His disciples and followers to wait for the promise of the Father, which they had heard from Him. John the Baptist truly baptized with water but they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. I have to admit that I absolutely love the words and language which is found in this passage of Scripture for I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful similarity which exists between the account of Elijah and Elisha in the second chapter of the Old Testament book of Second Kings and that which we read of the disciples and followers of Jesus in the twenty-fourth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke and the first chapter of the New Testament book of Acts. It would be in the first and opening chapter of the New Testament book of Acts we find and read of Jesus’ resurrection from the grave and the demonstration of His resurrection by and through many infallible proofs. What’s more is that it would be in the first chapter of this book we also read of the ascension of the Lord Jesus as after He had spoken certain words and while they beheld he was taken up and a cloud received him out of their sight. It would be there at the mount called Olivet the Lord Jesus would indeed be taken up into heaven much like Elijah was himself taken up into heaven and separated from them by a cloud so they could see Him no more. In addition to this there would appear two men clothed in white appeared who would declare unto these men of Galilee asking them why they stood gazing up into heaven. These two men would go on to declare unto them that this same Jesus which was taken up from them into heaven would so come in like manner as they had seen Him go. Thus within this particular passage we find resurrection paving the way for the ascension unto the right hand of the Father and we find the ascension unto the right hand of the Father leading to the return and coming again of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ at the appointed time ordained by the Father which was in heaven. There is something truly unique and powerful about the narrative of the ascension of Jesus unto the right hand of the Father for until and unless He departed from this world and ascended unto the right hand of the Father the promise of the Father would not come. What makes this all the more intriguing when you think about it is that just as the promise of the Father would not come lest Jesus depart from this earth and ascend unto the right hand of the Father so also would Elisha not receive a double portion of the spirit that was upon Elijah unless he saw him when he was taken up and unless he was taken up. It would be only as a direct result of Elijah being taken up into heaven and Elisha seeing him when he was taken up into heaven that he would receive a double portion of the spirit that was upon him. Although those who were present at the mount of Olivet did not need to behold the person of the Lord Jesus when He was taken up into heaven that they might receive the promise of the Father they would nonetheless be witnesses unto His ascension and would even be told of the return and coming again of the Lord Jesus in like manner as they saw and beheld Him depart from them. It would be only if they tarried in the city of Jerusalem and waited for the promise of the Father the disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed receive the promise of the Father. Only if the disciples and followers of Jerusalem tarried and waited in the midst of the city of Jerusalem they would indeed receive the promise of the Father and would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John the Baptist would indeed baptize them with water, however, Jesus from the right hand of the Father would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which John the Baptist spoke concerning the person and presence of the Lord Jesus and how He would indeed baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel’;s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan and were baptized of him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees, and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of rivers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:1-12). “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. John did I baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; and preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Mark 1:1-8). “And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in. His hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison” (Luke 3:15-20). “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:29-34). It is within these passages of Scripture we find and encounter the tremendous truth surrounding John the Baptist baptizing the people in water unto repentance for the remission of sins. With this being said, however, it would be John the Baptist who would declare that there was one mightier than he who came after him who would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Even Jesus Himself at the mount called Olivet not far from Jerusalem would declare unto His disciples and followers that John the Baptist did in fact baptize with water, however, He Himself would baptize with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. With this being said, however, we must needs understand that the only way Jesus could indeed baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire was if He departed from this world and ascended unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. So long as Jesus abode in the earth in the casing of flesh and blood the promise of the Father which was the Holy Spirit would not come unto the earth. Jesus Himself promised that he would baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire and Jesus declared that in order for the Holy Ghost to come He must needs depart from this world and ascend unto the right hand of the Father. This is what makes the words and language found in chapters fourteen, fifteen and sixteen of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John so incredibly important. Just as Elisha would only receive a double portion of the spirit which was upon Elijah if he tarried and abode with him and saw him when he was parted from him and taken up into heaven so also would the disciples and followers of Jesus only receive the promise of the Father if they tarried, abode and waited in Jerusalem until the promise of the Father was given. When you come to the fourteenth chapter of this gospel you will find Jesus instructing and admonishing His disciples and followers to let not their heart be troubled. Jesus would then go on to declare that if they believed in God they ought to also believe in Him. These words would be followed by additional words Jesus would speak emphatically declaring that in His Father’s house were many mansions and if it were not so he would have told them. Jesus would then go on to declare how He went to prepare a place for them and If He went to prepare a place for them He would come again and receive them unto Himself. Oh we must needs recognize and understand this when you read these words for while it was indeed true Jesus was preparing His disciples and followers for His departure from this world and subsequent return unto the Father which was in heaven He also prepared them for something which up until that time they had not heard nor expected. Jesus did declare unto the Jews that a little while they would see Him and a little while they would see Him no more and where He was there they could not follow or abide with Him. Now we find the person of the Lord Jesus declaring unto the disciples that He went to prepare a place for them—and not only that He went to prepare a place for them but that if He went to prepare a place for them He would come again and receive them unto Himself. OH please pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within them we are brought face to face with the awesome and wonderful truth surrounding the person of the Lord Jesus emphatically declaring unto His disciples that He was indeed departing from this earth and returning unto His Father which was in heaven, however, even though He was departing from this world He went to a prepare a place for them. If he went to prepare a place for them He would indeed come again and receive them unto Himself. Oh that we would recognize and understand the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the truth that not only did Jesus ascend unto the right hand of the Father but His ascension would mean two distinct realities—the first being the sending of the promise of the Father while the second would be His coming again. If you read the words presented in this passage of Scripture you will indeed find the Lord Jesus speaking unto the disciples concerning His departure from this world and how that departure would be that He might prepare a place for them. When Jesus departed from this world and returned unto the Father which was in heaven He did not and would not depart unto the Father that he might abide there alone together without His disciples and followers. Directly linked and connected to Jesus’ departure from this world and return unto the Father would indeed be the work of preparing a place for them that where He was there they would be together with Him. Oh we must needs recognize and understand this for at the very heart of Jesus’ return unto the Father was indeed fellowship and the need for His disciples and followers to not only be where He was but also abide together with Him. The Lord would indeed depart from this world and return unto the Father which was in heaven and it would be there in heaven where He would not only send the promise of the Father but would also prepare a place for them. Oh how absolutely wonderful it is to think about the fact that Jesus would depart from this world and return unto his Father who was in heaven and yet He would not leave them orphans nor would he leave them comfortless. The Lord Jesus would indeed depart from this world and would return unto His Father who was in heaven, however, He would come unto them through the person of the Holy Spirit and would come back for them. Oh if you read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find the language of coming back for them as well as the language of coming unto them. In this passage of Scripture we find the language of Jesus coming unto them through the person and presence of the Holy Spirit while we also find the language of Jesus coming back for them in the same manner in which He would return. In fact this is precisely the meaning behind the words and language that was used and spoken by the two men clothed in white apparel who spoke unto the disciples and followers of Jesus at the mount called Olivet. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I am absolutely captivated with the tremendous truth which Jesus declared unto His disciples. It was indeed true Jesus was preparing and making ready His disciples for His departure from this world, however, intrinsically linked and directly connected to that departure would indeed be His preparing a place for them. Even though Jesus would indeed depart from this world and return unto the Father which was in heaven there would be at the very heart and center of that fellowship and the deep need and desire for fellowship that they might abide together with Him. Although Jesus would indeed depart from this world and would return unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven He would not depart and leave His disciples and followers in the earth absent an abiding presence. It would be after He returned unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven Jesus would begin preparing a place for them—and if He prepared a place for them He would come again for them and receive them unto Himself. What we must needs understand is that even in Jesus’ ascension is the mystery of the rapture and the coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ revealed. If you want to truly understand the concept of the rapture and carrying away of the saints as well as the coming again of the Lord Jesus you must needs look no further than the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ and His return unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. Jesus knew that His hour had come where He would depart from this world and would ascend unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. Jesus knew that the hour of His departure had come and that He would indeed depart from this world and return unto the glory of heaven. Even in the opening verses of the thirteenth chapter of this gospel we find the apostle John describing how Jesus knew that He had come from God and that He was returning to God. What’s more is that Jesus knew that His hour had come for Him to depart from this world and to return unto the Father which was in heaven. As you read the words presented in this passage of Scripture you can and will encounter and come face to face with the tremendous reality of Jesus departing from this world and returning unto the Father, however, His return unto the Father would indeed make way for distinct mysteries to be revealed and manifested. It would be as a direct result of Jesus’ ascension unto the right hand of the Father from the earth that He would begin preparing a place for us that He might come again to receive us unto Himself. It would be as a direct result of Jesus’ ascension unto the right hand of the Father that Jesus would send the promise of the Father which was indeed the person, the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. Although Jesus would indeed depart from this world He would not leave His disciples and followers orphans and comfortless for He Himself would come unto them. Jesus would deliver the promise unto His disciples that where He was there they might be also and how they knew the way unto that place. It would be here where Jesus would emphatically make a declaration which has been used countless times in countless sermons by countless speaks as Jesus would declare unto Thomas that He was the way, the truth and the life and that no man came to the Father but by Him. It would be Thomas who would declare unto Jesus that they did not know where he went and would go on to ask him how they would know the way. It would be in response to this question Jesus would declare unto Thomas that He was the way, the truth and the life and that no man comes unto the Father but by Him. Moreover the Lord Jesus would also declare that if they had known Him they should have known His Father also and from henceforth they know Him and have seen Him. Oh the words and language we find in this passage of Scripture must needs be carefully considered and examined for that which we find within it brings us face to face with the revelation of the giving of the promise of the Father, the coming again of the person of the Lord Jesus, the preparing of a place for the disciples and followers of Jesus and how it was expedient for Him to depart from this world and ascend unto the right hand of His Father in heaven. Oh with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the first epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints, as well as the words which were written by the apostle Paul in the first epistle unto the Thessalonians saints concerning the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ and His coming again for His saints and those who walk with and follow Him: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory whilst I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I del;ivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelf: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostles, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed” (1 Corinthians 15:1-11). “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall hav put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sing? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the world of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). “But I would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). The words which we find within these passages of Scripture not only present us with the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the grave but they also present us with the coming again and return of the Lord after the manner and pattern of His ascension unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. It would be as the Lord ascended unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven two men clothed in white apparel would appear unto those who stood at the mount called Olivet gazing intently into the sky looking for him. These two men would ask them why they stood gazing into the heavens for Him who had ascended unto the right hand of the Father and would then declare unto them a mystery—namely that in the same manner in which He was taken up so also would He return and come again. This is something which we must needs acknowledge for there can be no ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ absent, apart from and without a coming again and returning for His own. It is absolutely impossible to talk about the ascension of the Lord Jesus unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven and not at the same time consider the return and coming again of the Lord in the same manner in which He was taken up. It was the beloved physician Luke who wrote how Jesus led the disciples out as far as Bethany and after He had blessed them He was parted from them before being carried up unto heaven and unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. Oh how absolutely incredible this truly is when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful and beautiful reality of Jesus returning and coming again. In fact this is the beauty of that which we find in the fourteenth chapter of the gospel written by the apostle John as the apostle John recounts for us Jesus’ words concerning His ascension being the catalyst and means whereby he would prepare a place for them that where He was there they might be also. If you continue reading the words which are found in this chapter you will find Jesus asking the disciples if they believed not that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. If they believed that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him then they ought to know that the words which He spoke unto them He spoke not of Himself but the Father which dwelt in Him does the works. Moreover Jesus would go on to admonish and instruct them to believe that He was in the Father and the Father in Him or else believe Him for the very works’ sake which He had wrought among them. It would be directly linked and connected to this Jesus would go on to declare that those who believe on Him—the works which He did they shall do also. What’s more is Jesus would go on to further declare that greater works than these shall they—His disciples and followers—do because He went unto His Father which was in heaven. This is something we have a great need of recognizing and understanding for it would be because Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father and returned unto the Father that whatsoever we shall ask in His name that would He do that the Father might be glorified in the Son. Jesus would emphatically declare unto His disciples and followers that if they asked any thing in His name He would indeed and would in fact do it. Oh how absolutely wonderful and powerful it is to read the words which were spoken by Jesus unto His disciples for within this passage of Scripture we find a strong and apparent link and connection to that which was written in the second chapter of the Old Testament book of Second Kings. Elijah knew that the hour had come for him to depart from this world and to be taken up into heaven—something which Elisha his servant knew as well as the sons of the prophets which were in Beth-el, Jericho and round about the Jordan River. As you read the words which are found in this passage you will find that Elijah did in fact know that the hour and time of his departure from this world had come and that he would soon be taken up into heaven in a whirlwind—something which he had perhaps prepared the sons of the prophets as well as Elisha for as well. I absolutely love the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for just as surely as Elisha and the sons of the prophets knew that Elijah would indeed be taken up into heaven and would depart from this world so also the disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus would know that the hour of His departure from this world was nigh. It would be in the thirteenth chapter we read of the Lord Jesus knowing that the hour of His departure from this earth had come and that He would return unto the Father which was in heaven. In the fourteenth chapter of this gospel we find Jesus further explaining unto His disciples that He would indeed depart from this world and would return unto His Father. With that being said there is the need to recognize and understand that directly linked and connected to His departure from this world would be greater works which His disciples and followers would do. While He was present upon the earth He would be confined to the limitations and restrictions of being encased in flesh and blood. While Jesus was present upon the earth he could only be in one place at one time and therefore the works which He wrought could only be done in that singular place at that particular time. When, however, He departed from this world and returned unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven the disciples and followers who would make up His body here upon the earth would indeed do greater works than those which He did. As was already mentioned this does not mean that these works would be greater in quality but would in fact be greater in quantity. It would be because Jesus would return unto the Father which was in heaven that those disciples and followers which He left behind upon the earth would do greater works than those which He did while upon the earth. If you continue reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture you will find Jesus going on to declare unto His disciples that if they loved Him they would keep His commandments. What’s more is that He would pray the Father and He would give them another Comforter that He might abide with them for ever—even the Spirit of truth whom the world could not receive because it saw him not neither knew Him. We dare not miss the incredible importance and beauty of what is found in this passage of Scripture for it brings us face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding Jesus’ departure from this world and how as a direct result of His departure from this world He would pray the Father and He would give them another Comforter. It would be while Jesus was encased in a physical body made of flesh and blood that He would be Emmanuel which was God with us, however, when He departed from this world that Emmanuel and the abiding presence which was found in the person of the Lord Jesus would indeed be removed from the earth. What we must needs understand, however, is that although Jesus would indeed depart from this world and return unto His Father which was in heaven He would send another who would be a Comforter unto those who were present within and upon the earth. Jesus would indeed depart from this world and He who was the express image of the Father in the flesh would no longer be present in the earth. He who was indeed Emmanuel which meant “God with us” would be removed from the earth, however, He would not leave His disciples and followers comfortless. The Lord Jesus would indeed come unto them through the person and presence of the Holy Spirit who would come ten days after He had ascended unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. If you read the words which are found in the New Testament you will find that there were ten days which passed from the time Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father and the time the Holy Spirit was released upon those who were present in the upper room. As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely incredible to call and draw your attention to the absolutely wonderful reality of the departure of the Lord Jesus from this earth. Jesus would indeed depart from this world that He might return unto the Father, however, despite His departure from this world He would come again unto His disciples and followers. There has been a considerable amount of language that has been used to describe Jesus’ return as being the second coming, however, if you take the time to read the words presented in this passage of Scripture you will find two distinct comings of the Lord Jesus. There would indeed be the coming of the Lord Jesus when He would come again for His disciples and followers who are on the earth and to resurrect all those who are dead in Him and whose bodies were buried in the grave that they might be with Him. Even with this being said, however, we must needs recognize that before Jesus comes back in the clouds to gather together his body unto Himself He would come in and through the person of the Holy Spirit. Jesus would speak unto the disciples on this particular occasion that He would depart from this earth and would return unto the right hand of the Father but that He would not leave them comfortless. In the eighteenth verse of this chapter we find the Lord Jesus declaring unto His disciples that He would not leave them comfortless but would come to them. What’s more is He would also go on to declare how in a little while the world would see Him no more but they would see Him and because He lived they would live also. How absolutely incredible it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and understand how the Lord Jesus would indeed depart from this world and would return unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven and yet He would come unto them again. The Lord Jesus would depart from this earth and would no longer be encased in flesh and blood as the Word made flesh which dwelt among us and yet would come once more in the person of the Holy Spirit. If there is one thing I absolutely love it’s that when Jesus came to the earth He would indeed take upon Himself the form of flesh and blood and would be Emmanuel which means God with us. On the day He was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River the Holy Spirit would descend upon Him in the bodily form a dove and would rest upon Him. What we find after Jesus departed from this earth, however, is His coming again unto his disciples in the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. No longer would Jesus walk among them as the Word which was made flesh and dwelt among them but He would walk with them and in them as an abiding presence. Within the New Testament gospel accounts as well as the epistles written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthians we read of three distinct temples which were present in the earth. At one point in time two of these three temples would be present in the midst of the earth while at another time the other two temples would be present in the midst of the earth. While Jesus walked among us as the Word made flesh he would indeed be a temple of the living God as He would indeed be the person and the presence of the living God. Jesus walking among us as the Word made flesh would indeed be the temple of the living God in which His glory and His presence would dwell and abide. With this being said there would of course be the physical and natural temple which would stand in the midst of the city of Jerusalem on the Temple Mount—the temple which the Jews thought Jesus referred to in the second chapter of the gospel narrative written by the apostle John. After Jesus would depart from the earth and ascend unto the right hand of the Father the earthly temple would still remain in the midst of the city of Jerusalem and ten days later a new and living temple—one made without human hands and would be made up of the disciples of the Lord Jesus. When you think about the ascension of Jesus unto the right hand of the Father you must needs recognize that directly linked to that ascension was a spiritual body which would remain on the earth carrying out the works which He began as well as a spiritual Temple in which He could come unto them as the abiding person and presence of the Holy Spirit. A BODY FOR THE WORKS & A TEMPLE FOR THE PRESENCE! A BODY FOR THE WORKS & A TEMPLE FOR THE GLORY! The Lord Jesus Christ would indeed depart from this world and return unto the Father which was in heaven and yet despite His departure there would be a spiritual body which would remain upon the earth that would carry out and continue the works which He began while in the flesh. Moreover it would be after the person and presence of the Lord Jesus ascended unto the right hand of the Father that a new and living spiritual temple would be created in the midst of the earth—one that would house the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. It would be the Holy Spirit that would be the direct manifestation of both the Father and the Son for even Jesus Himself declared how in that day they would know that He was in the Father, and they in Him and He in them. At the very heart and center of these chapters is the deep and abiding fellowship Jesus and the Father would have with the disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus—not only the fellowship that would be made available after His departure through the person of the Holy Spirit but also an eternal abiding together with the Father and the Son in the Father’s house. Within these chapters we do in fact find a personal and intimate abiding of the presence and person of the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit as they would come unto the body which remained behind. With this being said we must needs recognize that this abiding presence of the Holy Spirit which would be the manifestation of the Father and the Son would be a picture, a type and a shadow of an even greater fellowship that would in fact take place in eternity—a fellowship that would take place in the Father’s house. This was indeed the joy and the comfort Jesus sought to convey to his disciples within these chapters for although He was indeed departing from them and returning unto the Father which was in heaven He would come unto them through the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. Not only this but in addition to the promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit there would also be the promise of the coming again of the Lord Jesus as He would indeed come again for them that where He was there they might be together with Him.