It’s kind of a strange statement at first glance.  These were men who had families.  James and John had their father.  Others likely had their parents.  And yet Jesus says this:

I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you (John 14:8)

What is an orphan?  An orphan is someone whose covering is gone.  They lack protection, provision, and care.

Jesus was getting ready to leave them.  He told them that over and over.  They had no idea what he meant.  But we know.  He meant he was going to die.

He wanted them to know, though, that he would not leave them alone.  They would not be spiritual orphans.  Ever.

When he left, he was going to send them a comforter/helper/advocate.  And that helper was the Holy Spirit.  What will the Holy Spirit do?  He will

• Live in you (v. 17)
• He will teach you (v. 26)
• He will remind you of Jesus’ teachings (v. 26)

Jesus will never leave us, nor forsake us.   Because he cannot be with us in person, he sends the Holy Spirit to live inside of us.  It is why his going is even better.

While on earth, Jesus was restricted because of his physical limitations.  He could only be present with those he was in proximity to.  But because he sends his Holy Spirit, He is with us always.

“I will come to you” he says.

And live with us.

Never alone.

Never forsaken.

And never with the spiritual protection, provision and care that he provides.

What a Savior!