How can John 16:21 encourage us during times of personal suffering? Seeing the Context Jesus is only hours from the cross when He tells the Eleven that their world will soon feel shattered (John 16:16-20). Into that moment of looming grief He inserts this vivid picture of childbirth, preparing them—and us—for seasons when pain seems to dominate the horizon. Hearing Jesus’ Illustration “ ‘A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she gives birth to a child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.’ ” (John 16:21) Jesus uses an everyday reality to show how God’s storyline moves: • Intense pain is real, not minimized. • The pain has a set “time”; it will not last indefinitely. • What follows is not mere relief but overflowing joy. • The very event that caused anguish (labor) is the vehicle that delivers new life. Pain With Purpose Like labor contractions, our sufferings are: • Purpose-driven—used by God to “birth” something new (Romans 8:28-29). • Limited in duration—“our light and momentary affliction” (2 Corinthians 4:17). • A sign that something greater is on the way, not evidence of abandonment (Romans 8:22-23). Assured Joy Outweighing Sorrow Scripture piles up promises that the coming joy will eclipse the present ache: • Psalm 30:5 “weeping may stay the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” • Romans 8:18 “the sufferings of this present time are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed.” • 1 Peter 5:10 “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace… will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” • Hebrews 12:2 Jesus Himself “for the joy set before Him endured the cross.” Connecting the Dots to Christ’s Resurrection Immediately after verse 21, Jesus adds, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16:22). His resurrection is the definitive proof: • Pain was necessary, but temporary. • Joy is permanent, secured by the living Christ. • Every trial we face participates in that same pattern—death to life, sorrow to triumph. Practical Encouragement for Today When personal suffering closes in, John 16:21 invites us to: • Rename our trials as labor pains—evidence that God is bringing forth something good. • Watch the clock—trust that the “time” of anguish has an appointed end. • Fix our minds on the promised outcome—joy so full it will make the worst memories fade. • Lean on the risen Lord—He has already walked the path from agony to everlasting celebration, and He walks it with us now. |
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