Scripture to Read: John 16:16-22
Jesus laid out for the disciples what was about to happen over the next three days. In John 16:16-22, Jesus told the disciples that there would be some time when they would not see Him. Jesus was referring to the time that His body would be laid in the tomb after His death on the cross. Jesus said it like this in John 16:16, “A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” Even though Jesus had told His disciples several times about His upcoming crucifixion, they still did not understand that Jesus would and must die to fulfill the Father’s perfect will, for they said to one another in John 16:18, “We do not know what He is talking about.” Since Jesus knew they were confused, He then told them in John 16:20, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy.” Jesus knew the disciples would grieve deeply over His death on the cross but that the religious leaders who hated Him would rejoice, thinking they had finally gotten rid of what they considered a demon-possessed man. Then, Jesus used a great illustration in John 16:21-22, telling them how a pregnant woman goes through much pain during childbirth but that once her child is born, she forgets about the pain she experienced and rejoices that her child has been born. The disciples would also rejoice in Christ’s resurrection.
Challenge & Application
• In times of loss and grief, what Scriptures do you go to to remind you of the hope we have in Christ?
• Knowing what God has taught you, how have you been able to minister to others who have faced grief and loss?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!