The Church as the Sequel

Read: John 16:16-33

Main Point: The main truth that emerges from this text is that Jesus turns sorrow into joy!

Story: Jesus story of lost boys… The father’s sorrow turned to joy.

Jesus turns sorrow into joy!

Explanation:

1. How does He do this? Through His death and resurrection 16:16-22

The surrounding context helps us understand that when Jesus says a little while… He is referring to His death and Resurrection. Keeping in mind He is spending the last hours of his life with his disciples leading up to God’s purpose for His coming… to die in the place of sinners as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world. His disciples would abandon him as Jesus tells them in verse 32, they would not see Him for three days… then, their sorrow would be turned to joy when they see the resurrected messiah! By telling them this ahead of time, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His imminent death and resurrection. In answer their questions Jesus also gives us insight into sorrow...

a. sorrow is a heart condition. You feel it to your bones.

b. also, the cause of their sorrow was the separation from Jesus. (the disciples response in Luke 24)

c. Sorrow is temporary joy is eternal. (fulness) joy! (20 & 22)

* Illustration: Verse 21.. the giving of birth.

2. Application: It seems we are usually concerned about how long things are going to take. (Examples)

a. Help from the Word: Psalm 13…

Psalm 13 ESV

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

d. Consider how that truth presses upon your current tribulations. What is it that you are asking God, How long? Are we doing that in the confident assurance of His steadfast love? In the contentment of His timing? Out of a heart of trust ?

Example: The early church experienced a lot of sorrow, sadness, and weeping. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church in 2 Cor 4:16-18 and encouraged them with this truth…

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 ESV

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

Transition: Restate main point and observations.... His death and resurrection make results in the shortness of sorrow and the fulness of joy. How so?? Now, notice the implications this truth has on Jesus’ disciples. Specifically in their relationship to God the Father. Read again… (16:23-24… and his explanation in 25-28)

Jesus had already told them in John 14:27… Jesus death and resurrection accomplishes God’s loving purpose to reconcile those who trust in Christ. Through Christ we have direct access to God. Jesus is the mediator between us and God.But notice that Jesus tells His disciples they will be talking to father directly. He is the pathway between sinful humanity and our Holy Creator. He is the Resurrection and the life. He is the door that grants access into the throne room of heaven where we can commune in fellowship with our Creator. Jesus accomplished this by the shedding of His innocent blood. By being buried in a tomb. But raised victorious over sin and death three days later. His pain produces fullness of joy. For whom? Only those who believe in Him! (27)

John 14:27 ESV

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Transition: What does this mean for Jesus’ disciples?

3. Prayer and Peace are only “In Christ”. (33)

Question?

What are we asking God for?

What is Jesus telling His disciples and us to do? Take Heart!

Closing: Promise of hope.

Peace is the result of the word of Christ. A courageous heart is the result of the victory of Christ. All this, while remaining in worldly tribulation ! (33)

Transition: Offer a final encouragement as we consider how does this truth apply to us? Christians march over the battle field of tribulation not in order to gain a victory, but because Jesus has already won the battle. His death and resurrection promise the reality of a future without sin, death, anguish and pain. No more suffering and tribulation for the people of Christ.

b. Word’s from Shane and Shane.. “You've Already Won”

Verse 1

There’s peace that outlasts darkness. Hope that’s in the blood. There’s future grace that's mine today. That Jesus Christ has won.

Verse 2

So I can face tomorrow. For tomorrow’s in Your hands. All I need You will provide. Just like You always have.

Chorus

I’m fighting a battle. You’ve already won. No matter what comes my way, I will overcome. I don’t know what You're doing. But I know what You’ve done. I’m fighting a battle. You’ve already won.

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection our temporary sorrow can be turned into everlasting joy. We can pray and rejoice in the peace of Christ that surpasses understanding. We can be courageous in heart because Jesus has already won!

Prayer: God help us not to get caught up in the temporary trappings of this world’s system. Help us not to become so burdened down with temporary trials that we forget, or fall away from the promises of eternal life! With hearts full of joy and peace and courage we cry out, How long Oh God? And we rest in your faithful love to answer according to your perfect timing. We ask these things with thanksgiving because Jesus has died and risen from the grave. To Him be all honor, glory, and praise. Amen.