City Life Starter

Written by Opeyemi Ojekunle

The Word

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.

Exegesis

Jesus, talking to His disciples, because he knew in a little while he would be taken away from them by death, assured them that he will be with them again, in a little while, which refers to His resurrection. The disciples did not understand the words Jesus spoke about them not seeing and later seeing him again. Some were even more confused about him talking about going to the Father because their mind alone did not understand. They could only comprehend His words with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus knew their thoughts, even in the silence. He could hear the curiosity raised in their hearts, and as a loving teacher who did not just want to pass across a piece of information, He did not reprove them. He patiently acknowledged their confusion and further explained that there will be a time of grief and sorrow but after a while, there will be an unending joy. The joy that comes with a restored relationship and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The apostles will be transformed from defeated, confused, and fearful men to bold witnesses of the gospel because of the resurrection of our Lord.

Application

Christ our Lord knows everything about our future, every phase we pass through is all predestined to work together for our good. Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit who opens up the riches of Christ in our soul, even in our low estate.

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

1 Peter 1:8

In time of grief and pain, let us spend more time in the Word of God, that is, we should not neglect the time for reading the Word and prayer.

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.

Hebrews 4:15 (AMP)

Jesus is a sensitive and compassionate savior; he is our mediator to the Father, and he turns our sorrow to joy. Hallelujah!