In a Little While

Much time was spent on John 15 in my series but now I am ready to move on to chapter 16. Moving on is something I help people prepare for and do as a hospice chaplain. Family members know that their loved one will be leaving them soon and that they must adjust to the new reality. Those who know the Lord typically have much more peace because they understand the destination of heaven. The disciples were addressed by Jesus regarding things that were specific to them in the first half of the chapter. We pick it up where we can all apply keys to dealing with changes and loss.

Jesus made a statement that confused some of the disciples. “In a little while you will see me no more, and after a little while you will see me” (John 16:16). I remember when my sons were younger and I had to travel. I would tell them over the phone (back when people actually talked on phones) that I would be home in a little while. Or if we were on a trip and wondered if we are there yet, we would say, “in a little while.” But, Jesus said that they would not see him in a little while and that they would see him in a little while. By now the disciples should have known that Jesus was on a mission that would result in a short-lived death. But his statement still perplexed some of them. Instead of talking directly with Jesus about it, they discussed it among themselves. This was a classic case of the blind leading the blind! They more or less repeated his words, including, “because I am going to the Father” (17). At least they were being honest about not understanding what their Lord was saying. We have the benefit of hindsight.

Jesus then repeated them repeating him. This would almost be humorous if this moment in time was not so heavy. The next words of Jesus were definitely troubling and hopeful at the same time. They remind me of the women at the empty tomb. After hearing from the angel it is said that they were “afraid yet filled with joy” (John 28:8). Joy is a significant theme in the Bible. Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy (20). By now, the followers of Jesus knew to pay close attention and learn when he said “very truly I tell you.”

No one likes to weep and mourn. It takes an emotional and physical toll. Jesus’ forecast was for dark clouds and storms. But the sun would shine eventually. Jesus was preparing them for what they would experience. It had to do with him going away for a little while as well as them seeing him in a little while. The Son of God came to die for the sins of the world. That included those he was talking to. It would have been one thing if Jesus claimed to be God and died. The fact that he died and rose again changes everything. His followers only had to wait for parts of three days to see the victorious King. The joy connected with his victory over the grave is something to be experienced and celebrated daily. There is also joy in knowing that Jesus will return for his children.

Jesus equated what was ahead with a woman giving birth. That is something I witnessed in person twice. It made me grateful that I was a man — and a father. The painful process is not easy for most women. Some experience labor for many hours. However, once that baby is in the arms of the mother, the pain is soon forgotten (for the most part). He states, “She forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world” (21). There is that word “joy” again. “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy” (22). While many are passionate about the pursuit of happiness, the presence and power of joy is better, by far. Happiness comes and goes. Joy remains. It is an inner condition that only God can provide. Another amazing thing about joy is that it cannot be taken away. The Holy Spirit controlling the life of a Christian means that joy is present, even in the midst of grief. Jesus wanted his disciples to know that big changes were coming. But the hope and joy associated with the fact that they would see him in a little while would sustain them.

They would be losing Jesus’ physical presence on earth. His Helper would come alongside and dwell within them, as He does for us. Those perplexed men would be used by God to bring many to know the joy of knowing Jesus. Their loss would bring great gain. And when we receive from Jesus what we ask for we find that our “joy will be complete” (24). Because we will see Jesus again we also will see those friends and loved ones in Christ who have gone before us. We may miss them and still grieve. With joy we do so. Besides, we will see them in a little while.