John 16:16-22
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 16:22
After promising the Holy Spirit as their helper, Jesus again addressed the disciples’ troubled hearts (14:1) and deep sorrow (16:6). His statement about returning to the Father left them distressed. Imagine a beloved teacher and friend who has been with you through everything, through thick and thin, for three years, suddenly saying he must leave without you fully understanding where he is going. Though Jesus assured them of a place in His Father’s house and that those who believe in Him—the way, truth, and life (14:6)—can come to the Father, their sorrow only deepened, turning from trouble to grief.
Our Lord knew clearly that soon he would be arrested, so he told them that in a little while, they would no longer see Him, and again, in a little while, they would see Him (v.16). This led to the confusion of the disciples again. The disciples who were unable to make head or tail of it, started to whisper to each other again. “What does he mean by “a little while”?”(v.18a)
The disciples have been corrected so often that they are afraid to actually vocalize these questions, but Jesus, being omniscient (refer to 1:42, 48; 4:17–18) knew how perplexed they were. In v.19, he told them exactly what they wanted to ask, repeating what he had said in verse 16.
His answer to them becomes almost an ode to joy. It begins with another solemn and important double amēn saying, “truly truly I say to you.” After the initial “little while” (Jesus’ death), they would “weep and mourn” while the world will “rejoice.” But after the second “little while,” this will be totally reversed, and their “sorrow will turn into joy” (v.20) as Jesus is raised and appears to them. Jesus illustrated this with a woman giving birth, how she feels sorrowful because the hour to deliver has come, the pain and anguish she has to endure, contrasting with the joy she will have after the baby has been delivered.
In verse 22, Jesus tells his disciples that their grief after his death will turn to lasting joy when they see Him resurrected. No persecution can take away this joy, as his resurrection guarantees their own (1 Cor 15:20, 23). Jesus ushers in a new age of peace (14:27) and joy, allowing us to face troubles with rejoicing (Jas 1:2; 1 Pet 1:6).
Likewise, we may face seasons of pain and uncertainty, struggling to understand God’s plan. Yet our suffering is never the final chapter; God is always at work, even in our trials. Jesus’ analogy of childbirth reminds us that pain often precedes great joy. Just as a mother forgets her labor in the joy of holding her child, our present struggles will be overshadowed by the joy to come. His resurrection guarantees this hope—no trial can take it away.
Dear brothers and sisters, what troubles weigh on your heart today? Take heart—Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), and in Him, sorrow will turn into unshakable joy.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of joy that comes through Jesus’ resurrection. In times of sorrow, confusion, or distress, help us to trust in Your greater plan. Remind us that our troubles are temporary. Fill our hearts with joy and strengthen our faith to endure all trials with hope. May we rest in the assurance that nothing can take away the joy we have in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
After promising the Holy Spirit as their helper, Jesus again addressed the disciples’ troubled hearts (14:1) and deep sorrow (16:6). His statement about returning to the Father left them distressed. Imagine a beloved teacher and friend who has been with you through everything, through thick and thin, for three years, suddenly saying he must leave without you fully understanding where he is going. Though Jesus assured them of a place in His Father’s house and that those who believe in Him—the way, truth, and life (14:6)—can come to the Father, their sorrow only deepened, turning from trouble to grief.
Our Lord knew clearly that soon he would be arrested, so he told them that in a little while, they would no longer see Him, and again, in a little while, they would see Him (v.16). This led to the confusion of the disciples again. The disciples who were unable to make head or tail of it, started to whisper to each other again. “What does he mean by “a little while”?”(v.18a)
The disciples have been corrected so often that they are afraid to actually vocalize these questions, but Jesus, being omniscient (refer to 1:42, 48; 4:17–18) knew how perplexed they were. In v.19, he told them exactly what they wanted to ask, repeating what he had said in verse 16.
His answer to them becomes almost an ode to joy. It begins with another solemn and important double amēn saying, “truly truly I say to you.” After the initial “little while” (Jesus’ death), they would “weep and mourn” while the world will “rejoice.” But after the second “little while,” this will be totally reversed, and their “sorrow will turn into joy” (v.20) as Jesus is raised and appears to them. Jesus illustrated this with a woman giving birth, how she feels sorrowful because the hour to deliver has come, the pain and anguish she has to endure, contrasting with the joy she will have after the baby has been delivered.
In verse 22, Jesus tells his disciples that their grief after his death will turn to lasting joy when they see Him resurrected. No persecution can take away this joy, as his resurrection guarantees their own (1 Cor 15:20, 23). Jesus ushers in a new age of peace (14:27) and joy, allowing us to face troubles with rejoicing (Jas 1:2; 1 Pet 1:6).
Likewise, we may face seasons of pain and uncertainty, struggling to understand God’s plan. Yet our suffering is never the final chapter; God is always at work, even in our trials. Jesus’ analogy of childbirth reminds us that pain often precedes great joy. Just as a mother forgets her labor in the joy of holding her child, our present struggles will be overshadowed by the joy to come. His resurrection guarantees this hope—no trial can take it away.
Dear brothers and sisters, what troubles weigh on your heart today? Take heart—Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), and in Him, sorrow will turn into unshakable joy.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of joy that comes through Jesus’ resurrection. In times of sorrow, confusion, or distress, help us to trust in Your greater plan. Remind us that our troubles are temporary. Fill our hearts with joy and strengthen our faith to endure all trials with hope. May we rest in the assurance that nothing can take away the joy we have in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.