SORROW TO JOY

John 16:16-24

16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’?. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Notes

The Lord Jesus explained why He needed to leave (John 16:1-4) so the Holy Spirit could be sent, who would guide them into all truth. Moreover, the Holy Spirit, would convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Spirit of God would also glorify Christ (John 16:5-15). Without fully revealing the specifics, Jesus spoke of His coming departure and return, alluding to His death and resurrection. He assured the disciples that their sorrow would be temporary and would soon turn into great joy. This joy, unlike their sorrow, would be lasting and profound.

1. Questions

   The Lord Jesus spoke in a manner that was both plain and veiled. The result: the disciples raised questions about what He meant. Looking back, it seemed plain to understand, but from their perspective during the event, it was a mystery.

   
   16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? (John 16:16-19).

   Application: God called us to trust His Word, even if sometimes it seemed like a mystery. Our own lives may seem like a mystery at certain seasons. Despite this, we must continue to trust Him and His Word. In the short term, things may not be as clear, but we know that all things will be clear in due time.

   
   

2. Sorrow to Joy

   The Lord revealed what would happen. The disciples will descend into sorrow, but it will be but for a moment. Jesus likened it to a woman in childbirth who would suffer the pains of childbirth for a while, but her pain will leave. Then joy will flood her heart after she gives birth.

   
   20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. (John 16:20- 22).

   Application: When we suffer for our faith, we can find joy in the resurrection of Christ. His Word assures us that through faith we will be with Him, whether at His return or when He calls us home. Our present pain is brief compared to the eternity we will spend with Him.

3. Prayer in His Name

   After the resurrection, the disciples could pray to the Father in Jesus' name. This means they could ask with confidence, trusting in His authority. It also signifies asking according to the will of Christ. Asking in His name also means asking according to Him (1 John 5:14).

   
   23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:23-24).

   Application: We are called to pray with confidence in the name of Jesus, trusting in His authority and aligning our requests with His will. As we pray in His name, we are reminded that it is through Christ's unique work of redemption that we have access to the Father, ensuring that our prayers are heard and answered for His glory and our joy.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What does Jesus mean, "In a little while you will not see me, and you will see me"?

2. How does Jesus compare the disciples' sorrow and joy? Explain.

3. What promise does Jesus give about prayer? Explain.