Outline

John 16:16–33 ESV

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 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’?” So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 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’? 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. 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. 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. 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. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

From Sorrow to Joy: The Promise of Transformation

Bible Passage: John 16:16-33

Summary: In this passage, Jesus speaks to His disciples about the imminent grief they will experience at His crucifixion, but He assures them that their sorrow will be turned into joy as they experience His resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand that sorrow is a part of life, but it is through Christ that we find our joy. It reflects on how believers can navigate their own sorrows in life, holding onto the promise of joy that comes through faith in Jesus, especially in times of personal trials or loss.

Teaching: The passage teaches that true joy does not come from our circumstances but from our relationship with God. It emphasizes that while pain and grief are real, they are temporary, and God's ultimate plan for us is joy and peace through Jesus Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is the source of our joy, and this passage foreshadows His death and resurrection, pointing to the hope and joy He brings to all believers. His promise to send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, marks the ongoing presence of Christ in our lives after His ascension.

Big Idea: In the midst of our deepest sorrow, Jesus promises a joy that surpasses understanding, reminding us that our grief is not the end of the story.

Recommended Study: I suggest utilizing your Logos library to explore the historical context of the disciples’ grief in John 16, particularly focusing on how Jewish mourning rituals may inform their sorrow. Consider examining commentaries for insights into the Greek terms used for 'sorrow' and 'joy' and how they contrast in the text. Additionally, look into theological discussions regarding the Holy Spirit's role in transforming grief into joy, which could provide a robust foundation for your sermon.

1. Promise of Transformation

John 16:16-20

Perhaps you can begin by exploring the disciples' confusion and grief as they face the imminent loss of Jesus. Jesus acknowledges their sorrow but also hints at the transformation that is coming — from mourning to joy, akin to a mother's intense sorrow turning into joy when her child is born. This can suggest that in our own times of sorrow, Christ's assurance is that true joy awaits us. Through faith in Him, our grief can be transformed as we trust in His promises.

2. Prayerful Joy

John 16:21-24

You might discuss the metaphor of childbirth, illustrating a mother's transition from pain to indescribable joy. This symbolizes the spiritual experience of believers, where sorrow gives way to unbreakable joy because of Christ’s resurrection and promise of eternal life. Encourage your audience to consider how through prayer, and in His name, they can access the joy that Jesus has promised, even amidst life's trials. This joy is rooted not in temporary relief but in an eternal relationship with Christ.

3. Plain Path to Joy

John 16:25-28

Here, you could examine Jesus’ straightforward message about communication with the Father. This offers a profound truth—believers have access to God’s joy directly through Jesus. Jesus reveals a shift from parables to direct discourse, ensuring that His followers understand the direct access they have to God’s comfort and joy. This point can reinforce the application that in moments of distress, believers have an unfettered link to divine peace and joy through Jesus.

4. Peaceful Assurance

John 16:29-33

Finally, consider focusing on Jesus' assurance that though trials will come, believers can take heart in His victory over the world. You might suggest that this signifies ultimate peace and joy, undergirded by Jesus' triumph. Encourage the audience to find solace in that peace, especially in tribulations. The promise of joy in this passage is deeply connected to Jesus’ assurance and victory, emphasizing that His overcoming the world is the very foundation of our everlasting joy.