Sorrow to Joy

19 May 2013 PM – John 16:16-33 – Scott Childs

Introduction: Jesus was about to leave the disciples. They were filled with sorrow. They did not know it yet, but their sorrow would turn to great joy.

Transition: Jesus gave His disciples three reasons that their sorrow would turn to joy. These same reasons can give us joy as well.

First reason for joy is that

I.              Death is Not the End (16-27)

A.     Jesus foretold His departure in a parable (16)

1.      In a little while (a few hours), they would not see Him. He would die and be buried.

2.      In a little while (in three days), they would see Him. He would resurrect from the dead and then forty days later return to His Father.

Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

B.     The disciples did not understand (17-18)

1.      They did not understand Jesus’ words.

2.      They especially did not understand the phrase “a little while”.

C.     Jesus expanded His parable (19-22)

1.      He knew their secret conversations because He is God.

2.      He said THEY would weep and mourn, but the WORLD would rejoice, but THEIR sorrow would turn to joy (20).

3.      He used the feelings of a woman during childbirth to illustrate this parable (21). The pain causes sorrow, but when she delivers a child, she forgets the sorrow and is full of joy.

4.      Jesus assured them that though they would sorrow, He would see them again and fill their hearts with joy that no man could take from them.

Death would not be the end for Jesus. He would come to life again. Because that was true of Jesus, it is also true of all who trust Jesus for eternal life. Because He lives, we will also live.

1 Corinthians 15:20-21 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Second reason for joy is that

II.            They Could Pray in Jesus’ Name (23-28)

A.     The day was coming when Jesus would be gone.

1.      Jesus spoke of “that day” which refers to the day He would return to His Father (see 16).

2.      From that day, they would begin to ask for things in Jesus’ name, and the Father would supply.

a)      Remember that this teaching time with Jesus began around the evening meal back in John 13.

b)      Repeatedly during the evening Jesus told them they could pray in His name (John 14:13-14, 15:16, 16:23-24, 16:26). Those who abide in Christ and obey Him are able to pray in His name. If we are in close harmony with Christ, we will want what He wants.

3.      Seeing God answer their prayers would fill them with joy (24).

Peter Pett explained this section well in his commentary. “Up to this point they have not needed to ask. The Great Provider has been with them and they could look to Him. But now He was going. However, this does not mean that the heavenly supplies will dry up. Now they can go to the Father in the name of Jesus and be sure that they will receive all that is needed for the accomplishment of the work that is theirs, and in receiving this they will experience great joy.”

4.      They would understand clearly once Jesus resurrected and ascended back to heaven (25-26).

B.     Jesus would be present with the Father.

1.      Jesus said that God the Father loved the disciples for two reasons (27).

a)      First, because they loved Jesus.

b)      Second, because they believed that He came from God.

2.      Jesus reminded them that He came down from the Father into the world and soon He would leave the world and return to the Father.

Because of our relationship with Jesus Christ, we can communicate with God through prayer. We can also ask the Father for the things needed to do His work and as He supplies, we will have great joy.

Third reason for joy is that

III.           Jesus Overcame the World to Give Us Peace (29-33)

A.     The disciples declared their faith in Christ

1.      They said they believed (30).

2.      Jesus immediately asked if they really believed (31).

a)      He knew that they would scatter when the soldiers came and they would leave Him alone.

b)      At the same time, He knew that He was not truly alone.

At times in life when we lose a loved one or a friend deserts us, we may feel like we are all alone. When those times come, we must remember the promises of God.

Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

Hebrews 13:5 . . . I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

B.     Jesus concluded on a positive note

1.      He spoke these words of challenge, edification, warning, and prediction that they might have peace. Jesus wanted them to know what was ahead so they would not panic.

There is great peace in knowing the end of the story. Satan is a defeated enemy. Jesus is Lord. One day Christ will quash all evil and we who know Him will live with Him in joyful peace for all eternity.

2.      Jesus said that during our time in this world we must expect tribulation. The word “tribulation” speaks of pressure. The world puts pressure on Christians to be like them. That pressure may be as mild as verbal mockery or as severe as physical torture.

a)      Living godly in an ungodly world always invites pressure.

2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

b)      If your life receives no pressure from the ungodly of this world, you are not living a very godly life.

3.      Then He adds, “BUT be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” The tribulation of this world is not the end for Christians. Jesus overcame the world.

Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Conclusion: If you know Jesus, you are on the victory side. When troubles come and problems weigh you down. Remember, this world is not your home. When the world puts pressure on you to be like them, stand fast and be of good cheer. Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Jesus overcame the world to deliver us from the world. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. They may kill our body, but they cannot kill our soul. Claim God’s peace.

Song: Victory in Jesus – 496