John 16:19-20 19Jesus, knowing that they wanted to question Him, also said to them, “Are you deliberating together about this because I said, ‘A little while and you will not see Me, and again a little while and you will see Me’? 20Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.
The disciples’ confusion was evident to Jesus. Jesus knew people, knew how they thought, and what confused them (2:24; 13:11). Verse 19 indicates that the confusion particularly focused on the idea that the disciples would soon not see Jesus. They had committed themselves to him and followed him for at least three years. They put their hope and future in him. To hear that he would leave them not only confused them but raised fears and doubts. They were acting like any other person might in that situation.
In response, Jesus gives another solemn statement of deep truth. The disciples would indeed go through a challenging time in the next few days. There would be two different responses to what would happen to Jesus. On the one hand, the disciples would weep and lament because of how their hopes would be dashed to pieces. Their faith remained but it would be tested to the extreme limits in the coming hours. On the other hand, the world would rejoice because Jesus would be dead. The world here would include the Jewish leaders and all who opposed Jesus in his ministry. People today give the same two responses. Many Christians go through great testing as we await Jesus’ return, while the world mocks our faith and at times, even goes to the point of persecution. The weeping of Jesus’ disciples would be temporary because resurrection morning was coming when they would have great joy (20:20).
The difference between the disciples at the last meal and believers today is that we are on the other side of resurrection and have the Holy Spirit to bring us comfort and peace. Our weeping and lamenting are only temporary responses to the hatred of the world. We have a sure hope that overcomes the doubts and fears that come our way.
In verse 21, Jesus illustrates the truth in a short parable about a woman about to give birth. Before the invention of modern anesthesia, childbirth was significantly painful. The new mother forgets all the pain when the newborn baby is placed into her arms. Many Old Testament passages use a similar image for the experiences of Israel. The image of birth pains before great joy illustrated how Israel would face challenges before experiencing the joy of God’s delivery. The disciples’ sorrow, fears, and questions would be temporary and would be replaced with joy, certainty, and understanding. The key turning point would be Jesus’ resurrection.
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