John 16:16-33

            In a series of four prophecies Jesus now prepares His disciples for the resurrection principle in there own lives.  They have been called by Christ to serve.  Shortly they will lose the One Who has been their strength and hope.  But then, after a little while, they will serve Him with resurrection life.

1.      v16-19: in a little while they will see Christ no more; after a little while they will see Christ again.

            Jesus begins with what He has already told them.  He is going way.  But the separation is not permanent.  He will return to them and they will never again be apart.  Death is coming but out of death will come resurrection life.

2.      v20-22:  in a little while they will grieve; after a little while they will have unending joy.

            We have trials of two types:  those that simply happen, and those we bring upon ourselves.  So the disciples will grieve, not only for the cross and the death of the One they love, but also for their failure to stand with Him in His hour of trial.  The latter will require restoration (John 21:15-19).  The other will require their patient endurance, as is illustrated by a woman in labor (v21).

            We have noted that in the time of death, when God’s plan seems impossible, there is often sorrow.  We grieve thinking that God’s will cannot be down.  Perhaps we fault ourselves for some failure.  But the resurrection brings joy which no one can take away (v22).

3.      v23-28:  up until now they have asked for nothing; after a little while they will be given whatever they ask.

            Here again Jesus refers to a previous provision (14:12-14).  In this context it seems He is telling them that for now they have little power.  They have not used the prayer privilege.  But the time is coming when they will make good use of that resource and will see God do great works.

            Note how this fits the context.  The resurrection principle exists to bring glory to God.  Nothing glorifies God better than for the disciple to humbly bow before Him dying to self, and coming to the Father as the only source of strength and ability to accomplish the impossible.

4.      v29-33:  in a little while they will be scattered; after a little while they will have undaunted courage.

            There is still some pride or self-confidence on the part of the disciples.  Now we believe, they say.  But Jesus challenges their belief.  In His mind they have not yet come to the end of themselves.  So He tells them: tribulation is coming and you will be scattered.  You will leave me to suffer alone.

            The fact for any of us is this: we can never stand for Christ on our own.  As with His disciples, so for believers today:  our victory is bound up in the victory of Christ.  Because He has overcome the world we can be at peace.  John, in his first epistle, will remind us later:  For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (John 5:4-5).