Saturday 15 May 2010

Background

Jesus is referring to his death and resurrection when he tellsthe disciples that "a little while, and you will no longer see me,and again a little while, and you will see me". But they do notunderstand what he means. Jesus is aware of their bewilderment butstill does not give them a direct explanation. He uses instead theillustration of a woman giving birth. The pain of her labour issurpassed by the joy which she feels when her child is born. In asimilar way, the suffering the disciples are now experiencing willbe more than compensated for by the overwhelming joy which willfill their hearts when Christ sees them again.

Jesus initially talks about the disciples seeing him (John16:1) and then turns this around to talk about him seeing them(John 16:22). It is when Christ sees them thatthey will be filled with a joy that no one can take away. They hadlooked longingly at Christ as he ascended into heaven and washidden from their sight (Acts1:9). And there would come a time when Christ would look atthem and remain with them forever.

There will be a further element of joy to this encounter becausewhatever they ask for in Christ's name they will receive. They willnot need Christ to ask on their behalf. They will be able to askGod directly since God loves them because of their love forChrist.

Jesus finishes this discourse with a concise summary of theChristian gospel (the good news of Christ): "I came from the Fatherand have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and amgoing to the Father". He is coming close to the end of his earthlymission and will soon be returning to his home in heaven.

To Ponder

When have you experienced intense pain followedby deep joy?

Is it more important for you to see Christ or tobe seen by Christ? Why?

What do you need to receive from God in orderthat "your joy may be complete"?