Through The Bible in a Year - July 24, 2026

“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…” - John 16:5-7

No one asked “Where are you going?” this time. A few verses earlier, Peter had asked that very question—and heard Jesus predict his three denials. So, silence fell upon the room this time when Jesus announced his soon departure. No one asked Jesus, “Where are you going?”

Jesus knew why there was silence. He knew exactly who these men were. He knew Peter would deny Him. He knew they would all abandon Him. Every single one would turn their back, scatter into the night, leave Him to suffer alone.

Yet, for these men—the betrayers, the deniers, the cowards—Jesus said: “I will send the Helper to you.”

Not “I will send the Helper to those who prove themselves worthy.” Not “I will send the Helper once you’ve sorted yourselves out.” Rather, he said, “I will send the Helper to you. As you are. Knowing everything about you that I know.

Jesus’s promise is a key reminder that the Holy Spirit is not a reward for spiritual achievement. He is a gift for spiritual need.

The wonderful thing Jesus is promising is that He is not waiting for us to qualify to some level of spiritual achievement before the Holy Spirit will come to work in our lives. God gives the Holy Spirit for the bad times and the difficult people—even those who would betray Him. And that’s all of us at times.

Think of how a radio broadcaster’s voice reaches people in many different circumstances: firemen at a firehouse table, a plumber under a sink, a family at a barbecue. In a similar way the presence of God is reaching you by the work of the Holy Spirit. No matter what you’re doing, no matter your circumstance or location, the Holy Spirit is present to bring the purposes and power of God into your life.

Respond: What makes you feel like you’ve put yourself beyond the reach of the Helper? What failure, what denial, what betrayal of Jesus makes you think He wouldn’t still send the Spirit to you?

Peter denied Jesus three times. And the Spirit still came to Peter; still spoke through Peter at Pentecost; and, still worked through Peter to inspire Scripture and give hope to millions.

This week, receive Jesus’s promise of the Holy Spirit as personally addressed to you—not to the version of you who has it together, but to you as you actually are right now. The Helper is not waiting for you to be better before He comes. He comes because Jesus sends Him to bring God’s presence, power, and care into your life.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know You see everything in me—the denials, the failures, the times I’ve faltered when I should have stood firm. Like the disciples, I’m sometimes am too ashamed to even ask to follow you. But You promised to send the Helper not to the qualified—but to strugglers like me. Thank You. So, Lord, please send the Holy Spirit, to where I actually am, knowing everything about me, and be my Helper to enable me to follow you wherever you want me to go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.