Those who seek will find

John 16:16-24

¹⁶"In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me."

The Disciples' Grief Will Turn to Joy

¹⁷Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and 'Because I am going to the Father'?" ¹⁸They kept asking, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We don't understand what he is saying."

¹⁹Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'? ²⁰I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. ²¹A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²²So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. ²³In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. ²⁴Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

1) Message

Content:

1. Jesus prophesied his death and resurrection (v. 16)
2. Disciples did not understand what Jesus meant (v.17-18)
3. Jesus compared his death and resurrection to the pain and joy of giving birth (v.19-23a)
4. Asking in the name of the Lord realizes promises (v.23b-24)

Theme:

1. Turning grief into joy
2. Those who seek will find

2) Who are God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?

1) Jesus Christ who is to die (v.16, 19)

2) Jesus Christ who is to resurrect (v.16, 19)

3) Jesus Christ who is to ascend to heaven (to go to the Father) (v.17)

4) Father God who listens to prayers (v.23-24)

5) Jesus Christ who possesses authority (v.23-24)

3) What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations and warnings)?

1) Jesus died and resurrected (v.16)

Jesus told the disciples: “a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” This message perplexed the disciples. In fact, it very clearly prophesies the death and the resurrection of Christ. He died to take on the sin of mankind because he is the living God who has conquered death. Thus, he also resurrected from death on the third day that followed.

Reflection: My sins are paid for because of the death of Christ. Because of his resurrection, I have hope for eternity. Am I willing to die and to be resurrected with Christ?

2) Difference of Values (v.20)

Jesus spoke again, “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” Being all human beings, theoretically our experiences and feelings should be similar. However, Jesus clearly pointed out the disciples will weep and mourn at the death of Christ, but the world will rejoice. Why would there be such a difference in response?

Naturally, the disciples possess contrasting values from others in the world.

Reflection: Are my values different compared to that of non-believers?

3) A Joy that cannot be taken away (v.22)

Jesus once said that he gives a peace that cannot be taken away. This implies that no matter how the world around changes, the peace in one’s soul will not disappear. Similarly, he mentions that “Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy”. Since it cannot be taken away, then just like peace, inside one’s heart, it will not change according to the changes of the world.

Reflection: Do I truly posses this peace in my heart that cannot be taken away?

4) Asking and receiving (v.23-25)

In Matthew 7:7-11, Jesus said, “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened.” Similarly, he said, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for^[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” In such a way, Jesus Christ leaves a promise that one will receive what he asks for.

Reflection: Am I taking advantage of this promise that Jesus left?

5) A name full of Authority (v.23-24)

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, if you ask from the Father, he will give you what you ask for the sake of my name. He also said that if they ask in his name, they will receive.” This shows that Jesus Christ’s name isn’t any normal name. Rather, it is one that carries authority. By this name, not only can we make requests, people can be healed, demons can be cast away, blessings abound, etc. Thus, Jesus’ name carries authority and is a precious and holy name.

Reflection: As a Christian, do I carry out God’s authority by Jesus’ name?

Translated by Aaron T.