Slices
Prepare
How would you greet a dear friend or close family member that you haven’t seen for a long time?
Bible passage
The disciples’ grief will turn to joy
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.
25 ‘Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.’
29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, ‘Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.’
31 ‘Do you now believe?’ Jesus replied. 32 ‘A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
33 ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’
Explore
Jesus’ words to his disciples in chapters 14–16 are focused and intense. It’s almost as if a cosmic spotlight is shining through time and space and the rest of history is waiting in the surrounding shadow. The disciples are holding their breath, wondering, whispering, questioning (vs 17,18). We are watching them witnessing something unprecedented, agonising, divine.
They have yet to see the crucifixion, meet Jesus after his resurrection and experience Pentecost. At this point, his death makes no sense to them. Even though they seem to come to a point of clarity and realisation about who Jesus is (vs 29,30), they need these powerful promises: the assurance of a truly glorious reunion (v 22), and that the Father will respond to their prayers (v 24).
However, even with the knowledge that they will be reunited with their dear friend (v 22), they also face the painful shock that they will all desert him (v 32). But Jesus’ loving logic is that knowing these things in advance means they can still have peace in him (v 33). Their grief will make the way possible for unshakeable joy (v 22).
Respond
‘… Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord’ (John 20:19,20). Where are you finding joy today?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezekiel 1; John 21
Pray for Scripture Union
Rooted Junior workshops in schools offer lesson-based workshops for primary school children enabling them to explore who they are, why they matter and the difference Jesus can make in their lives. Pray for each young person as they participate in the creative workshops run by local Faith Guides.
