Your Grief Will Turn To Joy

 

John 16:16-33

Key verse: 20b

“You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy”

Introduction: This passage is the last portion of Jesus’ exclusive time with his disciples before crucifixion. Although his disciples were still filled with grief, Jesus expound the work of God to them so that they may be taught and continued to live by faith.

 

1.      Read verses 16-22. What did Jesus predict about Himself? (16)  Why did the word, ‘a little while’ bother the disciples? (17-18) What did Jesus mean by ‘in a little while’ and ‘after a little while’? (19) Why does Jesus compare his imminent departure with childbirth? (20-22)

 

16 “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” 17 Some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18 They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”  19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

 

What did Jesus predict about Himself? (16)  

* Jesus repeats that they would soon no longer see Him, because He would go to the Father 

●       Jesus here began the concluding thoughts of His final discourse to the apostles.

○       He was going to the Father, as He had repeatedly said He would (13:31-33).

●       They would not see Him, then they would see Him. This seems to mean that He would be gone because He would die, then He would return awhile and they would see Him in His appearances after His resurrection.

○       In verse 20 Jesus explained more fully. This would precede His final going to the Father when they would not see Him any more at all.

 

Why did the word, ‘a little while’ bother the disciples? (17-18)

* The disciples were very confused by His statements.

●       They questioned among themselves what He meant by saying they would not see Him and then they would see Him. This was very confusing to them. This of course proves Jesus’ point when He had said He had many things to say they would not understand (v12). They did not understand even what He did say!

●       This demonstrates the problem many people have in understanding God’s word. The disciples knew exactly what Jesus had said: they even repeated it. But they still did not understand the significance of it. Quoting Scripture and understanding it are two different things.

●       Disciples also didn’t understand a meaning of “a little while”. We are living under time and space domain. So, we are always limited by time and space. But, eternal God doesn’t affect by time and space. When Jesus told them about “a little while”, through their time concept, it is not measurable. They were might be bothered how long they have to be wait. 

 

What did Jesus mean by ‘in a little while’ and ‘after a little while’? (19)

* It meant of Jesus’ death in a little while and of His resurrection after little while.

 

Why does Jesus compare his imminent departure with childbirth? (20-22)

* Jesus illustrates this event by a woman in the labor pains of birth

●       Jesus uses childbearing  to express that, when a woman is in childbirth, it causes pain, sorrow, and suffering. But after the baby is born, she is so happy that she has given birth to a child that the memory of the pain seems dim by comparison.

●       The disciples would have great sorrow because of Jesus’ death. But when He arose and returned to them, they would have a joy no one could take from them.

●       By killing Jesus, people would cause the pain and anguish they would endure. But Jesus’ victory would be permanent, such that nothing people could do afterward could ever cause such pain again. Then the disciples would always know that Jesus was the victor, and through Him they can be victorious. No one can take away this joy.

 

2.      Read verses 23-24. ‘In that day’ why wouldn’t they ask Jesus anymore? (23) What had the disciples' prayer life been before? (24a) What change would Jesus' death and resurrection make? (24b) Why is it important to ‘ask’ in Jesus’ name?

 

23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

 

‘In that day’ why wouldn’t they ask Jesus anymore? (23)

* In that day they would make requests of the Father in Jesus’ name

●       “In that day” probably refers to the time after Jesus’ resurrection.

○       It would begin with the period of joy following Jesus’ resurrection. But that joy, Jesus had said, no one could take from them. So, the reference in v23 appears to include the whole gospel age following the resurrection. This is the time in which we have joy because of His resurrection and we can make request of God (see also v26 and 14:20).

○       Before Jesus made this statement, the disciples had not asked the Father for things in Jesus’ name. But “in that day,” after Jesus’ resurrection, they could ask the Father in Jesus’ name and He would grant their requests. This would contribute to the fullness of the joy He had described.

 

What had the disciples' prayer life been before? (24a)

* In the past they had made requests of Jesus, in the future they would ask the Father by Jesus’ authority.

●       Jesus said, “Until now you have asked nothing in my name” They had made requests, but not in Jesus’ name. He had not yet become the mediator between God and man. They could address requests directly to Him while He was on the earth. But “in that day you will ask Me nothing.” After He had been raised and ascended to the Father, petitions would be addressed to the Father through Jesus as mediator. (Note v26 – “in that day you will ask in My name.”)

●       This imply that prayer today should be addressed to the Father, rather than to Jesus.

 

What change would Jesus' death and resurrection make? (24b)

* After Jesus’ Resurrection,

●       Their sorrow would be turned to joy no one could take from them.

●       God would answer their prayers in Jesus’ name.

 

Why is it important to ‘ask’ in Jesus’ name?

* “Ask” generally means an inquiry or request, either for knowledge (v19) or for a favor or petition.

●       While Jesus had been on earth, the disciples could go directly to Him to make requests for favors.

●       After He died and arose, they would ask the Father in Jesus’ name. He would make it possible for them to go to the Father with their requests. (John 14:13,14; 15:16; 16:26)  He would then be their mediator (1Tim. 2:5).

 

3.      Read verses 25-28. Whom will Jesus plainly speak about? (25)  How did Jesus help His disciples come to the Father? (26) Why does the Father God love them? (27) Why did Jesus again repeat about his origin and destination? (28)

 

 25 “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.  26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

 

Whom will Jesus plainly speak about? (25)  

* Jesus continued describing the differences His death and resurrection would make.

●       In the past He had spoken to them with figurative sayings, but in the future He would tell them plainly about the Father, not speaking in figurative language.

●       - “Figurative language” is translated “dark sayings”, “proverbs”, “parables”, “allegories.” (John 10:6)

●       Now Jesus plainly spoke to His disciple about the Father.

How did Jesus help His disciples come to the Father? (26) 

 

* Jesus helped His disciple to come to the Father.

●       Jesus had understood the disciples’ misconceptions and preconceived ideas about the Messiah.

○        He knew they would not understand His true purpose, even if He tried to explain it (v12). So, He had spoken in figurative language using parables, comparisons (“I am the vine…”, “I am the Good Shepherd…” ), and other expressions that did not directly state the point but yet stirred their interest and taught concepts that they would understand later (cf. Matt. 13:10-17).

○       Later on, after the events had occurred and they had the benefit of hindsight, they would be willing to accept what He taught, so He would explain things more plainly. After His resurrection, for example, He explained to them about the prophecies He had fulfilled (Luke 24:25-27,44-46). When the Holy Spirit came, He would teach them all things through the Holy Spirit (John 16:12,13). Hence,the Father’s will and plans, fulfilled in Jesus, would be explained. The result would be that the current confusion being experienced by the disciples (v16-19) would be cleared up.

●       Jesus helped His disciples to know the Father’s love

●       Jesus helped His disciples to ask the Father in his name directly.

○       His point is that, when He referred to them asking the Father in His name (vv 23,24), He was teaching them to approach God in prayer themselves. He did not want them to think He would make all the requests of the Father and there was nothing for them to do. He is trying to teach them what they should do in making request of the Father by Jesus’ authority. “You will ask the Father…”

○       Jesus then returned to the idea of making requests in His name “in that day” (cf. vv 23,24). He said He was not talking about Himself praying to the Father for them. He does not here mean that He would not pray for us or intercede on our behalf. On the contrary, He had said He would pray for the Father to send the Holy Spirit (cf. Heb. 7:25).

 

Why does the Father God love them? (27)

* Father would love them, because they loved and believed in Jesus.

●       The reason they could ask the Father is that the Father also loves them because of their love and trust in Jesus.

○       Jesus loved the Father and could make request on their behalf, but that would not be enough. Because Jesus had died to be our mediator and make salvation possible, the disciples themselves would be able to go to God in prayer by His authority, and they should do so. The Father loved them and wanted it this way.

●       Father loves them. So, He is willing to hear their prayer

○       The concept of priesthood might be implied from v. 26. The Jews had certain priests who went to God on their behalf. They themselves could not go to God offering sacrifices, etc.

○       Jesus is now our high priest, but we are all priests of God (1 Peter. 2:5,9). We can all offer sacrifices of praise and worship through Jesus (Heb. 13:15). We need not stand back thinking God is so great and awesome that we cannot approach Him. Because of what Jesus was about to do and because of God’s love for us all, we would all be enabled to approach boldly to His throne (Heb. 4:14,15).

 

Why did Jesus again repeat about his origin and destination? (28)

* Jesus had repeatedly said He would go away.

●       Here Jesus stated as plainly as anywhere what He meant about going to the Father, leaving them, etc. He had come into the world from the Father and now He was leaving the world to go back to the Father. He had existed in eternity with the Father (John 1:1-3; Phil. 2:5ff). Now it was time to go home.

●       Jesus made many such statements during His lifetime, especially as recorded by John. Such statements are a clear claim to supernatural existence. He existed before He came to earth, and was about to return from whence He came. He was no mere man.

 

4.      Read verses 29-33. What did they now believe and what was the basis of their belief? (29,30) How did Jesus prepare them before the coming troubles?(32) What was Jesus certain about concerning his Father? (32b) How can we have peace in a troubled world?(33)

 

 29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.” 31 “You believe at last!” Jesus answered. 32 “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

What did they now believe and what was the basis of their belief?

* The disciples profess to understand Jesus’ teaching.

●       Probably Jesus had hurt the disciples’ pride when He said in v25 that they did not understand His sayings. They were eager to assure Him that they did understand, so they said He was not now using figures of speech (cf. v25), but they understood Him. They claimed they did not need to ask further questions for Him to answer. They believed He had come from God.

●       They had, of course, just admitted all kinds of confusion among themselves (vv 17-19). Perhaps they thought His subsequent discussion had cleared the matter up, or perhaps they fooled themselves into thinking they understood because of their desire to please Him. They appeared a bit “defensive.” In any case, events surrounding His crucifixion show that they really had no idea what He meant, especially about going back to the Father.

●       Their comment about Him “knowing all things” may refer to the fact He had read their hearts regarding the questions they had among themselves. However, the statement is true, as demonstrated in other passages. Jesus truly does have unlimited knowledge, like the Father. And this does give us evidence that He came from God. (Colossians 2:2,3; John 21:17; 2:24,25; Revelation 2:23)

 

How did Jesus prepare them before the coming troubles?(32)

* Jesus predicts the disciples’ desertion of Him

●       Jesus was not fooled by the disciples’ claims to understand and to believe. He knew what lay ahead and how they would react to His arrest and crucifixion. He asked them if they really did believe. Then he affirmed that they would all desert him and be scattered in the hour of difficulty before them. Yet the Father would be with Him so He would not be alone. When this occurred, it would demonstrate that He was right in saying they did not understand. All this, of course, came true when He was arrested. They all forsook Him and fled, and He stood alone to face His enemies in His hour of greatest need. Not one disciple defended Him, despite their prior affirmations.

 

What was Jesus certain about concerning his Father? (32b)

* Jesus would not be alone, but the Father would be with Him.

●       The Father stood with Jesus through most of the hardship when the disciples forsook Him. He sent an angel to comfort Jesus in the garden. He was with Jesus spiritually through the trials, etc. However, He did forsake Jesus on the cross, and this appeared to be the greatest hardship of all for Jesus.

 

How can we have peace in a troubled world?(33)

* Jesus gives peace despite tribulation.

●       Jesus restates the purpose for these final teachings He had given. He spoke so they might have peace. The world gives tribulation, but He gives cheer because He overcame the world.

●       He had told them what events to expect and what blessings He would send to help them. All this was to give them calm assurance so they would remain steadfast. Although disciples today do not face the exact same problems the apostles faced when Jesus died, yet the world does cause us problems. They would face the hardship of knowing He had died and left them.

●       We face other hardships, but the world is a place of trial and hardship (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12).

○       we have peace and cheer during the hardship, because we know Jesus was victorious and through Him we can do the same. We can have peace and good cheer, even in times of trial and tribulation. Trials should not cause us to despair and surely not to forsake our Lord. We must trust Him for peace and strength. (Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Cor. 2:14; Phil. 4:13; 1 Cor. 10:13)

In conclusion) Through this passage we see that Jesus wanted to complete his work on earth to encourage his disciples to the last flying minutes. According to his endeavor and faith, they would grow as powerful servants of God at last. For it was a little while to see God’s great work in each of them. May the Lord help us to follow his example in our mission life. 

One word: Your grief will turn to joy!

 

 

 

 

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