In the first chapter of the book of Acts, Jesus has risen from the dead and is about to ascend into heaven, leaving His disciples behind to continue on with the mission.
They are upset at the prospect of Jesus leaving. However, Jesus assures them that it is far better for them for Him to leave, as it means He can send them the Holy Spirit. It would have been difficult for them to imagine that this was for their benefit, but Jesus knew that carry on His work here on earth, to grow as disciples and a part of His body, the church – we would need the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
Find out more about the role of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life in this Next Step booklet.