Question 1

What does Jesus mean by "a little while" in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says "a little while, and you shall not see me; and again, a little while, and you shall see me," he is preparing the disciples for his death and resurrection. Very soon they will not see him because he will be taken, crucified, and buried. After a short time, they will see him again when he rises from the dead and appears to them. The phrase also hints at how brief this painful gap will be compared to the lasting joy that follows. Their dark hours are real, but they are not the end of the story.

Question 2

Why were the disciples so confused by Jesus saying "a little while"?

Accepted Answer

The disciples heard Jesus’ words but did not grasp what he meant. They were expecting a visible, earthly kingdom and were deeply upset at the thought of losing him. Because they were weighed down with sorrow and held certain national ideas about the Messiah, talk of going to the Father and seeing him only "a little while" did not fit their picture. They whispered among themselves instead of asking him directly. This shows how grief and our own expectations can make God’s words hard to understand until he gently explains them.

Question 3

What does it mean that the disciples will weep while the world rejoices?

Accepted Answer

Jesus tells the disciples that they will weep and lament while the world rejoices. This points to his death. When he is crucified, his followers will be crushed with grief, feeling as if all hope is gone. At the same time, his enemies will celebrate, thinking they have won and silenced him. Their joy is shallow and short-lived, because his death will not be the end. The very event that breaks the disciples’ hearts becomes the foundation of their joy, because through that death come forgiveness, life, and peace.

Question 4

Why does Jesus compare their sorrow to a woman in labor?

Accepted Answer

Jesus uses the picture of a woman in labor to show that their sorrow is both painful and purposeful. A woman has sharp pain when her time comes, and she may be full of fear. But once the child is born, her joy is so strong that she no longer dwells on the anguish. In the same way, the disciples’ grief at his death will be intense, but it will lead to great joy when they see the risen Jesus. The sorrow is not wasted; it is like labor pains that result in new life and lasting gladness.

Question 5

What does Jesus mean when he says, "your sorrow shall be turned into joy"?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says "your sorrow shall be turned into joy," he is not only saying that joy will follow sorrow, but that the very cause of their grief will become the cause of their joy. His death will first break their hearts, then, when they see why he died and that he rose again, that same cross will fill them with deep happiness. After he sends the Spirit, this joy grows stronger. They will still face trials, but their sorrow is swallowed up in a stronger joy in the risen Christ and the salvation he brings.

Question 6

What does "your joy no man taketh from you" teach about Christian joy?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says, "your joy no man taketh from you," he shows the difference between worldly joy and the joy he gives. The world’s joy is based on changing things and can be quickly lost. The joy Jesus gives is rooted in his finished work, his living presence, and the gift of the Spirit. His risen life cannot be undone, so the foundation of this joy remains. People may mock, attack, or try to silence believers, and our feelings may rise and fall, but the reason for joy in Christ stays firm and will end in eternal gladness.

Question 7

How did Jesus know the disciples wanted to ask him about his words?

Accepted Answer

Jesus knew the disciples wanted to ask him, even before they spoke, because he sees not only what is said out loud but also what is in the heart. They were talking quietly among themselves, puzzled about what "a little while" meant, and were hesitant to question him directly. He answered the question they were afraid to ask. This shows his kindness and his divine knowledge. He does not leave his followers lost in confusion forever, but in his time he draws near, uncovers what is hidden in their hearts, and explains what they need to know.

Question 8

How does this passage speak to believers who are suffering today?

Accepted Answer

This passage reminds believers that sorrow in Christ is real but not empty. The disciples’ pain at losing Jesus was sharp, yet it led to deeper joy when they met him alive again and received the Spirit. In the same way, troubles for Christ’s sake, and the many hardships of life, can feel like labor pains. They may almost overwhelm us for a time, but in Christ they are not wasted. His presence and promises begin to give joy even now, and one day that joy will be full, with no more grief to cloud it.

Question 9

Why does this verse feel hard to understand with the repeated "a little while"?

Accepted Answer

The wording can feel tangled because Jesus repeats "a little while" and speaks of both not seeing and seeing him again, along with going to the Father. Faithful readers have seen this in more than one way, but the simple reading is that he is talking about the short time between his death and resurrection, and then the time after he returns to the Father and sends the Spirit. The difficulty itself mirrors the disciples’ confusion. It shows how, without the Spirit’s help, deep truths about Jesus’ death, rising, and presence are hard to grasp.

John 16:17

Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

Grief Will Turn to Joy

Cross References

John 16:17

Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?

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Grief Will Turn to Joy

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