During the last hours with his disciples, before his crucifixion, Jesus told them that he is the true vine. and that his Father is the husbandman. He expounded to them that without him they could do nothing.

Imagine how they must have felt when they understood that he was about to be taken away. The thought that without Jesus they could nothing must have been overwhelming, especially now that he was returning to the Father.

In John 16:5-6 we read the following: But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.

It was in response to this sorrow that Jesus assures them that he was sending a Comforter (one called along side of them): 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 ~ John 16:7.  The Holy Spirit was Jesus’ answer to the sorrow that had filled their hearts, for the Holy Spirit was going to teach them and enable them to abide in him, the true vine.

Andrew Murray said it so gracefully: “This is the secret of the joy of the first disciples. They had received the Lord Jesus, whom they feared they had lost, as the heavenly Christ into their hearts. And this was their preparation for Pentecost: their attention was completely taken up with him. He was literally their all. Their hearts were empty of everything, so that the Spirit might fill them with Christ.”

May we seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we may abide in the glorified, living Christ.