 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
More John commentaries
John 13:1-11
Humbleness, Holiness and Happiness
John 13:12-20
Happiness Comes by Service Others
John 13:21-30
Jesus Prediction of His Betrayal
John 13:31-38
Christ’s Farewell Sermon to His Disciples
John 14:1-12
Jesus Encourages the Troubled Disciples
John 14:13-14
The Measure, Means, and Might of Prayer
John 14:15-21
The Holy Spirit’s Dwelling in Believers
John 14:22-31
The Disciple’s Question
John 15:1-10
The Pruning Process
John 15:11-17
The Commandment to Love One Another
John 15:18-27
Why the World Hates Christians
John 16:1-15
The Work of the Holy Spirit
John 16:16-24
The Transformation of Pain to Joy
John 16:25-33
Understanding God’s Word and Applying It
John 17:1-8
Jesus’ Prayer For His Glorification
John 17:9-19
Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples
John 17:20-26
Jesus’ Prayer for Unity of Believers
John 18:1-14
Jesus’ Betrayal by Judas
John 18:15-27
Trial Before Annas
John 18:28-37
Pilate Questions Jesus
John 18:38-40
Pilate’s Compromise
John 19:7-16
Pilate Gives In Under Pressure
John 19:17-27
Jesus is Crucified
© Family Times | About Us | Donate | Contact Us
Search for sermons by: Commentaries | Scripture search | Topics
The Transformation of Pain to Joy
John 16:16–24
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
During an earthquake some years ago, the inhabitants of a small village were generally very much alarmed, but they were at the same time surprised at the calmness and apparent joy of an old woman whom they all knew. At length, one of them addressing the old woman said, “Moth … More
Jesus promises the disciples that He would go away very soon, but He promised them that in “a little while” they would see Him (v. 16). The disciples were confused by this statement “a little while” (vv. 17-19). Although there are differences of opinion as to what He meant, it seems that He was referring to His brief, forty day ministry on earth between His resurrection and His ascension. It could have referred to the brief time He spent in the grave after His death on the cross.
Jesus explains that the disciples would weep at His death, but the world would rejoice thinking that they were finished with Christ (v. 20). However, the sorrow of the disciples would be turned to joy through the resurrection. He uses the illustration of how pain in childbirth is followed by the joy of new life when a child is born (v. 21). The disciples were entering the process of pain, but the light of joy was just ahead. You may be very sad now, but later I will see you, and you will be so happy that no one will be able to change the way you feel (v.22). At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything (v. 23). You will be able to ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name (v. 24). Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
The principle He is teaching is that God brings joy to our lives, not by substitution, but by transformation. Most of us know what it is like to have an unhappy child because a toy is broken. If the parent always gets a new toy for the child each time a toy is broken, that child will grow up expecting every problem to be solved by substitution. We cannot mature emotionally or spiritually if someone is always replacing our broken toys. Jesus did not say that the mother’s sorrow (pain) was replaced by joy, but that the sorrow was transformed into joy. The same baby that caused the pain can also bring much joy.
Application
I want the trials of my life to be transformed into joy. Just as an operation may be necessary and cause pain at the time, it will bring good health and joy later.
John 16:16-24 (English Standard Version)
"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."
View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »
Post your comment or question below.