Jesus didn’t say the exact words “I’ll be right here”, but the promise is absolutely there.

A few key moments:

Matthew 28:20 – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

This is probably the closest direct equivalent.

John 14:18 – “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

John 14:16–17 – Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, God’s presence within us, not just beside us.

So while Jesus physically leaves after the resurrection, he makes it clear that his presence doesn’t end it actually becomes closer and more constant.

Relating E.T. to the story of Jesus

You can draw a surprisingly powerful comparison:

E.T.

Comes from another world

Is misunderstood and feared

Forms deep friendships

Heals and brings life

Suffers, “dies,” and is thought to be gone

Rises again

Returns home

Promises ongoing connection: “I’ll be right here” (pointing to Elliot’s heart)

Jesus

Comes from heaven into our world

Is misunderstood, rejected, and feared

Forms close relationships

Heals and restores life

Suffers and dies

Rises again

Returns to the Father

Promises ongoing presence: “I am with you always” not just in memory, but in Spirit and truth

The key theological difference (and this matters) is that:

E.T. is a visitor who goes home

Jesus is God who chooses to remain present through the Holy Spirit, the Church, and love lived out in the world

“Jesus doesn’t say ‘remember me fondly.’

He says, ‘I’m still with you.’

Not up there somewhere but right here.”