Easter III- John 16:16-22

The traditional Gospel read on this Sunday is from John 16:16-22. In these verses from our Lord's Farewell Discourses, we have another instance of the disciples not understanding what Jesus is talking about. He predicts His suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension. He warns them to expect separation and sorrow while they await His renewed presence. He drives His points home in two verses. In John 16:20, He states, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." He explains this in John 16:22, "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you" (KJV).

Although they are slow to understand, the disciples eventually learn what Jesus teaches about sorrow and joy. They learn through Christ's cross and resurrection. His sufferings and their separation from Him bring them great sorrow, but His resurrection brings them profound joy. He changes them, and they find new strength in facing all the sorrows and joys of life in this world. The joy of His resurrection is so deep and strong that they learn to follow Him in deeper and stronger ways. They are empowered to serve Him through all the sorrows and joys of this world and remain faithful to the end.

These words about sorrow and joy still apply to Christian believers. We all experience earthly sorrows and joys. But there is one joy that surpasses our circumstances in the world. That great joy comes from knowing the presence of the risen Christ with us. Through His Word in Scripture, through the influence of the Holy Spirit, and through the visible Word in His sacraments, we sense His presence in this life, and we look forward to His presence with us eternally. In Paul's words from Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord, alway: and again I say, Rejoice."