John 16:19–22 (WEL) Now Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing among yourselves why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see me’ and also, ‘In a little while you will see me’? 20 “Very truly, I say to you that you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will be very sad, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 “When a woman is in labor, she has sorrow because her time has come, but when the child is born, she doesn’t remember the agony for the joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 “Likewise, now you have sorrow, but I will see you again. Your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy from you.”
V19 Now Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Are you discussing among yourselves why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see me’ and also, ‘In a little while you will see me’?”
Principle: Be aware of students’ and peoples’ confusions, questions, and concerns to be able to address that situation or question.
Jesus is aware and wishes to calm the disciples’ fears and anxieties.
Compare 1 Peter 3:8, Hebrews 5:2, and Isaiah 11:2.
V20 “Very truly, I say to you that you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will be very sad, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
Again, Jesus prophesies what the disciples will experience in the very near future. He gives them the bad news first but also follows that with a promise.
The care of the Shepherd is such a blessing. See Psalm 23 and how our Shepherd cares for His sheep.
The different attitudes are stark. The believers weep; the rejecters rejoice (compare 1 Corinthians 13:6, John 3:20, and Revelation 11:10). After the resurrection the believers rejoice (John 20:20); the rejecters are angry (Proverbs 2:14).
V21 “When a woman is in labor, she has sorrow because her time has come, but when the child is born, she doesn’t remember the agony for the joy that a human being has been born into the world.
Jesus then re-enforces His prophecy with an illustration.
Principle: Use illustrations to re-enforce your teaching. They may be a drawing, a story, or even a personal incident.
V22 “Likewise, now you have sorrow, but I will see you again. Your heart will rejoice, and no one takes your joy from you.
When Jesus makes a promise, He keeps it. Again, note the care and concern He has for the well-being of His disciples.
Principles: Care for those whom God has entrusted to your care, children, congregational, or anyone. Remember family first (spouse and children in that order), then local church, your fellow Christians, then Christians who are not local, and lastly to the lost.
If nothing else, we can pray.
We learn:
- About the Savior’s care.
- About the Savior’s awareness of His followers’ needs.
Questions:
- How are you guiding your family?
- How do you minister to fellow Christians?