Sorrow into Joy

Introduction:

A Theory about Sports: The joy of victory — especially for an underdog

· A Theory about Sports: (Cubs, ’16) Tasing what victory looks like, especially for the underdog.

· Jesus isn’t talking sports; but he is promsing that the joy of victory will come through sorrow

LET’S SEE THREE WAYS JESUS BRINGS VICTORY FROM WHAT LOOKS LIKE DEFEAT: SORROW IS TRUNED TO JOY; WE GAIN DIRECT ACCESS TO THE FATHER, HE LEAVES US WITH PEACE GREATER THAN OUR FAILURES.

I) Jesus Transforms Sorrow Into Joy (vv. 16-22)

A. The Sorrow of Our World

1. Where & when would Jesus “leave” and “return”? Ascension? Presently?

2. Jesus anticipates immense grief: Disillusionment

ii. A bigger question: How does God accomplish his plan in the midst of suffering?

1. Most of us suppose that suffering is an obstacle to God’s plan

2. EXAMPLE:

a.

B. The Transformation Of Jesus’ Work

“…God changes into greater goods all the evil things we have suffered.” - Calvin

1. Birth is inevitable – and the “raw material” for a mother’s joy

2. QUOTE: To sum up, he changes into greater goods all the evil things that they have suffered.

3. God doesn’t just balance suffering – he uses our suffering as “raw material” for greater joy

ii. Jesus’ on the Cross: the Greatest Sorrow is transformed into the greatest Joy!

1. Jesus would soon experience the greatest suffering & injustice in all history

2. Yet the resurrection would Accomplish God’s redemptive work – not in spite of, but through suffering

3. APPLICATION: The worst thing that can happen to us is now the best!

Transition:

II) Jesus Gives Access to the Father (vv.23-28)

A. Before: “Restricted Access”

1. Modern day culture has tamed God – we lose sight of

2. But this is modern – ancient cultures recognized that deities were inapproachable

ii. The Disciples needed a representative to work on their behalf

1. In the OT, approaching God was done BY a priest on your Behalf

2. That’s Why Jesus says that they have never asked “in my name”

B. After: “Direct Access”

1. A time is coming when access to God would be direct

2. Through Jesus WE become God’s beloved!

ii. Therefore, we may ask God anything in Jesus’ name

1. This is why Jesus urges us to pray “in his name” --

2. EXAMPLE: Council room before the service

Transition:

III) Jesus Gives Peace To Failed Disciples (vv. 28-33)

A. Belief…or not?

1. The disciples recognize that Jesus is returning to his Father – and so profess faith

2. But their faith is still rooted in a plan without suffering

ii. Jesus knows better: They – and us – will fail as disciples

1. How do we know? The disciples would scatter soon”

2. For that reason, Jesus rebukes his disciples

3. APPLICATION: All of us – sooner or later – will fail Jesus

B. Peace that Overcomes the world

1. In relationship with Jesus, we are assured there is nothing we can do to sever God’s ties with us.

2. EXAMPLE: Jesus loves faithless, loveless disciples like us!

ii. Jesus has overcome the world

1. Furthermore, whatever tribulation, suffering, evil in this world – it has been conquered!

2.

Transition:

Conclusion

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