Interpretation of the Bible / John 7:33

The Gospel of John tells of the last week of Jesus' stay on earth. This week is crucial, as it includes the Jewish Passover and the Passion, suffering, and death of the Lord. John 7:33 is one of the phrases Jesus spoke that week, and it expresses His departure from earth.

Jesus' Departure

Jesus' departure is a recurring theme in the Savior's speech. Several times the Lord used analogies to explain that He would not be with His disciples forever. For example, in John 12:35, "Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going."

Jesus knew that His departure would cause sadness in the hearts of His disciples. He himself pointed this out in John 16:6-7, "Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”

Jesus’ Promise

Even though His departure left a void in the hearts of the disciples, Jesus promised that He would not leave them alone. Instead, He would send the Holy Spirit to be their comforter and guide.

This promise is fulfilled in the book of Acts, where the disciples receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). From that moment on, the disciples had a faithful companion who would guide them in the work of the gospel and support them in times of adversity.