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Grief Will Turn to Joy
19Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’?20Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.21A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye shall weep and lament - To see me crucified and laid in the grave. But the world shall rejoice - The chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, and persecuting Jews in general, will triumph, hoping that their bad cause is crowned with success. But your sorrow shall be turned into joy - When ye see me risen from the dead. It is very evident that our Lord uses the word world, in several parts of this discourse of his, to signify the unbelieving and rebellious Jews.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And ye now therefore have sorrow,.... This is the application of the preceding case. As it is with a woman in travail, when her hour is come, so it was now with them, and would be when Christ was removed from them; and as it is with every believer, when Christ is absent: for though there are many things that cause sorrow now, as sin, Satan, and afflictive dispensations of providence, yet nothing more sensibly touches believers to the quick, and gives them more uneasiness, than when Christ is out of sight: the reasons are, because he is so nearly related to them, being their everlasting Father, kind husband, loving brother, and faithful friend; and because they are so strongly affected to him, there is none like him in their esteem in heaven and in earth: he is the person whom their souls love; he is the very life of their souls; his favour, his gracious presence is life to them, and his absence is as death; nor can they be easy, but are restless, and upon the inquiry after him, until he returns to them, which he does in his own time; and therefore this sorrow is but now, for the present, it is not perpetual. But I will see you again; as he did see his disciples upon his resurrection once and again, for the space of forty days, at certain times, by intervals: and so, in a spiritual sense, he comes and sees his people, makes them a visit, manifests himself unto them, and abides with them: they are always under his omniscient eye; he always sees them as God; and they are always under his eye of love, grace, and mercy, as Mediator: but this means such a seeing of them, as that they see him as well as he sees them; and is expressive of a delightful intercourse between Christ and them, than which nothing is more desirable: and your heart shall rejoice: as did the hearts of the disciples, when they saw Christ risen from the dead; and as the hearts of believers do, when Christ so looks upon them that they can view him with an eye of faith; such a sight is a heart rejoicing one. To see the glory and beauty of Christ's person, the fulness and suitableness of him as a Saviour; to have an appropriating view of him as such; or to see him so as to have sensible communion with him, must needs fill the heart of a believer with joy unspeakable, and full of glory: such a sight of Christ will rejoice the heart under a sense of sin, the pollution and guilt of it, when tempted by Satan, or under God's afflicting hand, and even in the view of death and eternity. And your joy no man taketh from you. The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment, and the joy of the chief priests, Scribes, and Pharisees, was a short lived one, on account of Christ's death; for Jesus was soon raised from the dead, and the apostles were filled with the Spirit, and went forth boldly preaching in the name of Christ, to the great grief of these men. But the joy of the disciples was durable; their risen Lord would never die more; the blessings of grace, such as redemption, pardon, righteousness, and atonement, would, and do ever remain as the foundation of solid joy: nor could a stranger intermeddle with it; "not one", either man or devil could take it away, not by all the reproaches they could cast upon them, or persecutions they could follow them with: and so, though a believer's joy may be damped by sin, and Satan, and the world, it may not be always in lively exercise; yet the matter of it always remains in Christ, and the principle of it in themselves can never be destroyed, but will issue in everlasting joy in another world.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:20 At the crucifixion, the world thought it had won a victory over the light. The shock of the cross would cause the disciples to weep and mourn, but their sorrow would change to joy when Jesus defeated the grave (20:20).
Grief Will Turn to Joy
19Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’?20Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.21A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Israel of God - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K48:40IsraelISA 53:10JHN 16:20ROM 8:22GAL 6:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine heart relationship with God. He uses the analogy of a tree that appears to be real but is hollow on the inside, illustrating the danger of superficial faith. The speaker also mentions the necessity of going through trials and suffering to reveal the true treasure within. He references a message from a brother in China about the breaking of the devil to uncover the preciousness of the treasure within. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the phrase "the Israel of God" in the letter to the Galatians and references Isaiah 53:10-11.
The Vine and the Branches
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K27:27AbidingISA 53:10JHN 3:16JHN 14:27JHN 15:2JHN 15:11JHN 16:20JHN 16:24In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who mistreats grapes, showing a lack of understanding and appreciation for their delicacy. The speaker then uses this story to illustrate a spiritual lesson about what comes out of us when we are upset or shaken. He emphasizes the importance of having something good and valuable inside of us, like Jesus, so that when we face challenges, we respond with grace and love. The speaker also highlights the power of the Holy Spirit, who can be in a million hearts at the same time, bringing joy and peace.
Studies in the Gospel of John 06 - Spirit as a Teacher
By Alden Gannett1.8K49:36TeacherJHN 16:8JHN 16:201CO 2:141CO 3:6COL 1:18HEB 5:11The sermon transcript discusses the issue of being dull of hearing and the need for believers to continually grow in their understanding of God's word. The writer emphasizes the importance of keeping Jesus Christ central in all things and not getting caught up in tangents. The sermon also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and in guiding believers to understand and magnify Jesus Christ. The transcript concludes with a focus on Jesus' understanding of the disciples' frailty and his encouragement to them as he prepares to go to the cross and rise again.
Reality Check Conference 2007
By Paul Washer1.7K43:21PSA 30:5ISA 61:3MAT 6:33LUK 12:48JHN 16:20ACT 16:252CO 7:9In this video, the speaker discusses the transformative power of receiving a revelation of God. He emphasizes that when someone truly hears the Gospel for the first time, it opens their heart and mind to the truth. This revelation also leads to a realization of one's own brokenness and sinfulness, causing a sense of mourning and crisis. However, the speaker assures that the Bible is a survival book, offering hope and guidance. He also highlights the responsibility that comes with receiving such a revelation, urging listeners to obey and guard their hearts in order to have a pure heart and actions.
The Travail of the Soul
By Denny Kenaston1.1K40:23TravailISA 66:5ISA 66:7JHN 14:1JHN 15:11JHN 16:20JHN 17:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of soul travail and how it doesn't fit into the materialistic society we live in. He uses the example of Jacob in Genesis 32, who was left alone and experienced soul travail. The preacher also shares the joy of having a new baby in their home and emphasizes the responsibility that comes with raising a child. He talks about the pain, fear, and struggle that accompanies soul travail, and how many people may have asked themselves how much longer they must prevail before experiencing a breakthrough.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Cross and the Mystery of Suffering
By Sadhu Sundar Singh5PSA 119:67LAM 3:31DAN 3:23JHN 10:9JHN 16:20ACT 9:4ROM 8:232CO 5:11PE 4:12Sadhu Sundar Singh preaches about the meaning and purpose of the cross, explaining that through Jesus bearing the cross, heaven was opened to believers, and by believers taking up their cross, they enter heaven and experience unbounded bliss. Pain and suffering exist due to man's rebellion against God's laws, meant to prepare them for an eternal home. God uses suffering as bitter medicine to promote spiritual health and awaken believers to their true home in heaven. The cross, though bitter outwardly, reveals spiritual peace and joy to those who bear it, just as Jesus shared in the sufferings of His followers to bring them relief and eternal safety.
Agape Love
By A.W. Tozer1NEH 8:10JHN 16:20ACT 13:52ROM 8:28GAL 5:22PHP 1:4PHP 4:41TH 1:6The preacher delves into the concept of joy (chara) in the Bible, emphasizing that it is a feeling of inner gladness and delight based on spiritual realities, independent of circumstances. Joy is a deep assurance and confidence that ignites a cheerful heart, a gift from God to believers. The preacher highlights that joy is a part of God's essence and is manifested in His children through His Spirit. Believers are encouraged to maximize their joy through repentance, hope in future glory, God's Word, prayer, fellowship, discipleship, giving, and maintaining fellowship with the Father and Son.
Sorrow in Christian Homes
By J.R. Miller0Christian HomeSorrowPSA 34:18ISA 61:3MAT 5:4JHN 16:20ROM 8:282CO 1:32CO 4:17JAS 1:21PE 5:10REV 21:4J.R. Miller addresses the inevitability of sorrow in every Christian home, emphasizing that no one is exempt from grief regardless of their circumstances. He explains that while sorrow can feel overwhelming and isolating, it can also serve as a divine messenger that brings blessings and deeper connections among family members. Miller encourages the acceptance of sorrow as a means to unlock the hidden treasures of love and faith, suggesting that true joy and richness in life often emerge from trials. He highlights that a home filled with Christ's love can transform sorrow into a source of peace and growth, ultimately leading to a more profound appreciation of life and relationships. The sermon concludes with a reminder that welcoming sorrow can lead to unexpected blessings and deeper faith.
The Secret of Gladness
By J.R. Miller0The Source of Christian GladnessJoy in SufferingPSA 5:11PSA 9:2PSA 31:7PSA 32:11PSA 68:3PSA 90:14PSA 100:2PSA 118:24JHN 16:20PHP 4:4J.R. Miller emphasizes the secret of gladness in the Christian life, asserting that true joy is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in God's love and grace. He explains that while Christians will face trials and sorrows, their joy can remain unshaken, as it is derived from a deep relationship with God. Miller encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of gladness through gratitude, a happy home, and a good conscience, while also recognizing the beauty of the world around them. He concludes that the essence of Christian gladness is a learned response to life’s challenges, reflecting the light of Christ even in darkness.
All Honey Would Harm Us
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual GrowthJoy in SufferingPSA 30:5PSA 126:5ECC 3:1ISA 61:3JHN 16:20ROM 8:282CO 4:172CO 12:9JAS 1:21PE 1:6Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transient nature of sorrow in the life of a Christian, reminding us that while weeping may endure for a night, joy will surely come in the morning. He illustrates how God transforms our hardships into blessings, turning our grief into gladness and our mourning into music. Brooks argues that a balance of both joy and sorrow is essential for spiritual health, as both mercy and adversity contribute to the growth of our faith. He concludes that the interplay of these experiences is vital for the flourishing of our souls, as trials often lead to the death of sin and the thriving of grace.
Hindrances to Revival: Fear of Emotion
By J. Edwin Orr0RevivalEmotional ExpressionPSA 51:17ISA 61:3MAT 5:4LUK 19:10JHN 16:20ACT 2:17ROM 12:152CO 7:10GAL 5:22JAS 4:9J. Edwin Orr addresses the fear of emotional displays in the context of revival, arguing that genuine emotional responses are often a sign of the Holy Spirit's work. He critiques the tendency of some preachers to suppress emotions for fear of being led astray, emphasizing that true revival is accompanied by emotional reactions such as weeping and joy. Orr asserts that an effective appeal must engage the intellect, conscience, and emotions, and that emotional responses should not be dismissed as mere hysteria. He shares personal experiences and testimonies that illustrate the power of God working through emotional expressions during revival. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace emotions as a natural response to God's conviction and grace.
Of Bearing the Cross
By John Calvin0PRO 3:11MAT 16:24JHN 16:20ACT 14:221CO 11:322CO 4:81TI 4:10HEB 5:81PE 4:11John Calvin preaches about the necessity and dignity of bearing the cross, emphasizing the hardships and trials that believers must endure as part of their journey with Christ. He highlights the importance of fellowship with Christ in suffering, the need for humility, and the training in obedience that comes through afflictions. Calvin explains how the cross works to refine believers, exposing weaknesses, deepening faith, and strengthening hope. He encourages believers to endure persecution for righteousness' sake, finding honor in suffering for God's cause and trusting in His provision and salvation.
Wait on God's Time
By Charles E. Cowman0GEN 18:14GEN 21:2PSA 33:11ISA 40:4JHN 16:20Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of waiting on God's set times, using the story of Abraham and Sarah as an example of God fulfilling His promises at the appointed moment. He encourages believers to trust in God's timing, even when the wait seems long and challenging, reminding them that God's counsel stands forever. Cowman emphasizes the joy and fulfillment that come when God's promises are finally realized, turning sorrow into joy and making rough paths straight.
Constant Joy
By Richard E. Bieber0LUK 10:20JHN 15:10JHN 16:20PHP 4:41PE 1:6Richard E. Bieber preaches about the promise of joy that Jesus gives to His followers, even in the midst of tribulations and persecutions. He emphasizes the importance of having God's joy in our lives, as it sustains us through trials and keeps our minds clear. The sermon highlights that true joy comes from knowing, loving, obeying, and walking with Jesus, and that rejoicing in the Lord affects every aspect of our lives, bringing hope, peace, and deliverance from anxiety.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Ye shall weep and lament - To see me crucified and laid in the grave. But the world shall rejoice - The chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, and persecuting Jews in general, will triumph, hoping that their bad cause is crowned with success. But your sorrow shall be turned into joy - When ye see me risen from the dead. It is very evident that our Lord uses the word world, in several parts of this discourse of his, to signify the unbelieving and rebellious Jews.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And ye now therefore have sorrow,.... This is the application of the preceding case. As it is with a woman in travail, when her hour is come, so it was now with them, and would be when Christ was removed from them; and as it is with every believer, when Christ is absent: for though there are many things that cause sorrow now, as sin, Satan, and afflictive dispensations of providence, yet nothing more sensibly touches believers to the quick, and gives them more uneasiness, than when Christ is out of sight: the reasons are, because he is so nearly related to them, being their everlasting Father, kind husband, loving brother, and faithful friend; and because they are so strongly affected to him, there is none like him in their esteem in heaven and in earth: he is the person whom their souls love; he is the very life of their souls; his favour, his gracious presence is life to them, and his absence is as death; nor can they be easy, but are restless, and upon the inquiry after him, until he returns to them, which he does in his own time; and therefore this sorrow is but now, for the present, it is not perpetual. But I will see you again; as he did see his disciples upon his resurrection once and again, for the space of forty days, at certain times, by intervals: and so, in a spiritual sense, he comes and sees his people, makes them a visit, manifests himself unto them, and abides with them: they are always under his omniscient eye; he always sees them as God; and they are always under his eye of love, grace, and mercy, as Mediator: but this means such a seeing of them, as that they see him as well as he sees them; and is expressive of a delightful intercourse between Christ and them, than which nothing is more desirable: and your heart shall rejoice: as did the hearts of the disciples, when they saw Christ risen from the dead; and as the hearts of believers do, when Christ so looks upon them that they can view him with an eye of faith; such a sight is a heart rejoicing one. To see the glory and beauty of Christ's person, the fulness and suitableness of him as a Saviour; to have an appropriating view of him as such; or to see him so as to have sensible communion with him, must needs fill the heart of a believer with joy unspeakable, and full of glory: such a sight of Christ will rejoice the heart under a sense of sin, the pollution and guilt of it, when tempted by Satan, or under God's afflicting hand, and even in the view of death and eternity. And your joy no man taketh from you. The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment, and the joy of the chief priests, Scribes, and Pharisees, was a short lived one, on account of Christ's death; for Jesus was soon raised from the dead, and the apostles were filled with the Spirit, and went forth boldly preaching in the name of Christ, to the great grief of these men. But the joy of the disciples was durable; their risen Lord would never die more; the blessings of grace, such as redemption, pardon, righteousness, and atonement, would, and do ever remain as the foundation of solid joy: nor could a stranger intermeddle with it; "not one", either man or devil could take it away, not by all the reproaches they could cast upon them, or persecutions they could follow them with: and so, though a believer's joy may be damped by sin, and Satan, and the world, it may not be always in lively exercise; yet the matter of it always remains in Christ, and the principle of it in themselves can never be destroyed, but will issue in everlasting joy in another world.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:20 At the crucifixion, the world thought it had won a victory over the light. The shock of the cross would cause the disciples to weep and mourn, but their sorrow would change to joy when Jesus defeated the grave (20:20).