How can we find comfort in Jesus' promise of return in John 16:17? Tracing the Promise John 16:17: “Then some of His disciples asked one another, ‘Why does He say to us, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me,’ and ‘because I am going to the Father’?’” • Jesus had just said, “In a little while you will no longer see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me.” (v. 16) • The disciples felt the weight of His coming departure, yet Jesus planted hope by assuring them they would see Him again. Layers of Fulfillment • Resurrection morning—three days of grief turned to joy when they saw the risen Lord (John 20:19-20). • Spiritual presence—He ascended yet sent the Spirit, so believers still “see” Him by faith (John 14:16-18). • Bodily return—He will come again “in the same way” He departed (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Comfort That Anchors the Soul • Certainty in sorrow: grief has an expiration date because resurrection life is guaranteed (John 16:20-22). • Unshakable joy: “your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22). • Steadfast hope: Christ’s visible return secures a future where believers “will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18). • Victory over fear: the One who says “I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20) already conquered death; His promise stands. Everyday Ways to Rest in the Promise • Rehearse Scripture: read passages on His return (John 14:1-3; Titus 2:13) and speak them aloud. • Celebrate communion: remember His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26), tasting both past grace and future glory. • Cultivate watchfulness: live uprightly, “denying ungodliness…while we wait” (Titus 2:12-13). • Encourage one another: share testimonies of God’s faithfulness, “and so we will be comforted together by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:12). • Persist in mission: His return motivates evangelism, knowing “the night is nearly over; the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:12). Closing Reflection Jesus’ “little while” stretched from Calvary to Easter, from Ascension to the glorious appearing. Each fulfilled stage proves the next. Hearts find rest because the risen, reigning Lord keeps every promise—including the promise to return. |
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