Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 16:16-24
J.C. Ryle explains how Jesus prepares His disciples for sorrow and joy, revealing that temporary suffering leads to lasting joy through faith and prayer in His name.
In this expository sermon, J.C. Ryle unpacks Jesus' words to His disciples in John 16:16-24, revealing the profound truth that sorrow and separation are temporary and will be replaced by enduring joy. Ryle emphasizes the power of prayer in Jesus' name as the key to receiving this joy. This message encourages believers to persevere through trials with hope and confidence in Christ's promises.
Text
"In a little while you will see me no longer; again after a little while, you will see me." Then some of his disciples said to one another, "What is the meaning of what he is saying, ‘In a little while you will not see me; again after a little while, you will see me,’ and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?" So they kept on repeating, "What is the meaning of what he says, ‘In a little while’? We do not understand what he is talking about."
Jesus could see that they wanted to ask him about these things, so he said to them, "Are you asking each other about this--that I said, ‘In a little while you will not see me; again after a little while, you will see me’? I tell you the solemn truth, you will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice; you will be sad, but your sadness will turn into joy. When a woman gives birth, she has distress because her time has come, but when her child is born, she no longer remembers the suffering because of her joy that a human being has been born into the world. So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. At that time you will ask me nothing. I tell you the solemn truth, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive it, so that your joy may be complete."
Not all Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Disciples' Confusion
- Jesus' statement about seeing Him 'in a little while'
- Disciples' lack of understanding
- Jesus' awareness of their questions
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II. The Promise of Sorrow and Joy
- The inevitability of weeping and wailing
- The world's rejoicing contrasted with disciples' sadness
- Joy replacing sorrow like childbirth
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III. The Assurance of Prayer Answered
- Asking the Father in Jesus' name
- The promise of receiving
- Complete joy through answered prayer
Key Quotes
“You will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice; you will be sad, but your sadness will turn into joy.” — J.C. Ryle
“When a woman gives birth, she has distress because her time has come, but when her child is born, she no longer remembers the suffering because of her joy.” — J.C. Ryle
“Whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you... so that your joy may be complete.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in Jesus during times of sorrow, knowing joy will follow.
- Approach God confidently in prayer, asking in Jesus' name.
- Remember that present suffering is temporary and leads to lasting joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by 'in a little while you will not see me'?
Jesus is referring to His imminent death and resurrection, a period when His disciples will experience sorrow before rejoicing again.
Why does Jesus compare sorrow to childbirth?
He uses childbirth to illustrate that although suffering is intense, it is temporary and leads to great joy.
What is the significance of asking the Father in Jesus' name?
Praying in Jesus' name aligns believers with His will and authority, ensuring that their requests are granted for their joy.
How can believers experience joy despite suffering?
Believers can find joy by trusting in Jesus' promises and the assurance that their prayers will be answered.