A Little While
John 16:16-22
As they sat together for the last supper, Jesus recognized that the coming hours would lead His disciples to immense heartbreak, sorrow, and disappointment. In some of His final words before His imminent death, He explained, “In a little while they would see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me” (John 16:16). Before they even understood the treachery afoot, Jesus began prompting a stabilized joy for His friends in the face of the looming crisis.
Earlier in the night, Jesus explained His return to the Father (John 14:28). However, His words in verse eighteen seemed to insinuate a short-term absence. Fearfully, His disciples wrestled with this statement (Mark 9:32). What could Jesus have meant by “a little while?”
Jesus knew their question and answered them with grace, expanding on the meaning of His words (v. 20). Eventually, Jesus did return to His Father in heaven, where He remains still seated in glory. However, He would first endure the kiss of betrayal, injustice, agonizing pain, death, and resurrection.
Soon, the disciples would watch their teacher, who for the last three years they had walked with, revered, and loved, be mercilessly killed. The one who imposed the greatest mercy on humanity would experience the merciless hand of those who hated Him. “He was despised and rejected by humanity, a man of suffering and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem” Isaiah 53:3. “His appearance was marred beyond human likeness” (Isaiah 52:14).
“The world will rejoice,” Jesus said. And they did. By crucifying Jesus, they believed they won and smugly hurled insults at Him. “In the same way, the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! (Mark 15:31). The world’s mockery would come, but so would His resurrection.
Though they were to experience the sadness of watching their Savior die, Jesus knew a greater joy would come. “Your grief will turn into joy” (v. 20).
He goes on to explain how their pain will be similar to that of a mother in childbirth. When a mother delivers a child, the pain of labor produces the mother’s joy of seeing her child for the first time. Likewise, Jesus promises that our joy is complete when we witness sin’s defeat through Jesus' excruciating death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Christ’s victory shattered the bondage of sin over God’s people. Though the pain of the cross was immense, the joy of His resurrection is much greater.
This glorious triumph is our lasting hope and inspiration. No one can take our joy (v. 22). Jesus is alive! He bore our sins upon Himself so that we could walk in freedom.
Often, it is easy for us to live in sorrow from the world’s brokenness. Pain is real, and even Jesus Himself experienced this. Through the pain, we have the assurance that He has paid our debts. He sees our heartache and provides a well of hope. Drink from it until you are satisfied. If this is difficult for you, ask him to help you find joy in Him. He is unafraid of your sorrow and wants to bear it with you. One day, He will wipe away every tear from every eye. While we wait, let’s look to Him as our source of joy in anticipation of our heavenly reunion.
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55
