40. John 16:16-33 The Coming Victory of the Cross

16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.”

• God turns our sorrow into joy (v. 20–22).
• God promises to give us what we ask in Jesus’ name (v. 23).
• Jesus was with God and came from Him. He is God (v. 27-30). 
• God loves those who believe in and follow Jesus (v. 27).
• God offers peace in Jesus (v. 33).
• Jesus is victorious (v. 33).

• We go through pain and difficulty in our lives, but these can give way to joy and new beginnings in God's plan and love.

• We often struggle to understand God's timing and His ways (v. 17-18).

• We can have direct access to the Father through Jesus (v. 23-27).
   

• Jesus was preparing His disciples for His death, resurrection, and ascension. In just a few hours, they would watch Him be arrested, tried, and crucified. They would be devastated, scattered, and afraid. But Jesus knew that joy was coming, because He would rise again. To the disciples, these words were confusing at first. But later, after the resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit, they would remember and understand. Jesus was showing them that suffering isn’t the end of the story. His death would be the doorway to life, and their temporary grief would give way to unstoppable joy.

What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions? 

Through this passage, I’m reminded again that living as a follower of Jesus in today’s world isn’t easy. Holding on to faith often comes with a cost—it can be painful and difficult. But Jesus, too, endured deep loneliness and suffering to fulfill His mission on earth. And even through that, He overcame.

Because I know that Jesus has overcome the world and is with us through the Holy Spirit, I can also believe that we will taste victory in our lives through Him. That victory fills us with peace and joy, even in the midst of trouble.
When sorrow comes, I will hold onto the truth that joy is coming. I may not always understand the reasons or the purpose behind what happens, but I will trust that Jesus sees the whole picture.

Also, Jesus’ direct invitation “Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be full” is a great encouragement to me (v. 24). There have been times I hesitated to pray, wondering if it was okay to ask for certain things, or whether God would really answer. But now, I want to bring my needs and desires boldly to the Father in Jesus’ name, trusting that He delights to answer.