The disciples were distressed.  They had good reason to be.  Jesus had just told them that He was about to leave them.  The One whom they had loved most in all the world was going to go away.  Soon they would be on their own.  How would they carry on without Him?  How could they face the world without the encouragement and support of His presence beside them?  It seemed to be the end of everything.  Then it was that Jesus said some very strange things to them.  He told them that it would actually be to their advantage that He go away.  Instead of being an irreparable loss, it would be an inestimable gain.  There would be no sense of bereavement, no aching void in their hearts and lives, no sadness of farewell.  How could these things be?  Because, he said, as long as He was with them in th…