Sometimes I wonder if Jesus ever laughed at the disciples not really getting what was happening. Since time is short with them at this point He simply re-explains Himself to them in this instance so they will know what is going on.  He has just told them repeatedly that He is leaving and that they will in fact get the Holy Spirit to be with them instead (3 times).  They still are not getting that He will leave, that He is about to die for them.  Let’s look together at Jesus’ words in John 16.

Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” 17 At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18 They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.” 19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? 20 Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 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. 23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

Jesus is once again comforting the disciples and helping to prepare them for what is about to happen.  He wants them to keep hope when He dies and to know that it will not be the end.  They struggle with this truth and run and hide and seem to lose hope.  Spoiler alert –  There are times in all of our lives when we feel alone and afraid.  Doubts can creep in and we struggle.  Its times like this that we need to hold onto the promises of Jesus just like He was hoping the disciples would during this time as well.  We know that we are never alone, Jesus is always with us.  We know that when things are tough and we don’t even know how to pray the spirit prays on our behalf.  We know that even through the most difficult of circumstances and situations Jesus is at work for our good.  Whatever you are walking through today remember the great promises of God.  He loves you.  He is with you.  He will never leave.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave