Sorrow is something that everyone experiences at some point in life. For example, people experience sorrow during times of loss or when they see the effects of war. Jesus’ disciples were not immune to this either. In the final days before his crucifixion, Jesus stated that the disciples would soon experience sorrow, but that it would later turn into joy. In fact, it would be a joy that would never be taken away. How could the crucifixion bring about this type of joy?
To illustrate this, Jesus tells the disciples that their experience will be similar to that of a woman in labor. Jesus states in John 16:20 that when a woman is in labor, she experiences great pain. However, after the child is born, the same thing that caused pain will produce joy.
“Childbirth is first a cause of pain, but when the child is born, the pain and distress of labor is all but forgotten. Most mothers can remember the pain of labor. But such memories are far surpassed by the joy of bringing a healthy child into the world.”[1]
It is helpful to notice that Jesus does not say that the sorrow would be removed but rather that it would be “turned into” (transformed) joy. In just a few hours, Jesus would be betrayed and then crucified on the cross. While those who did this would rejoice, the disciple’s reaction would be one of great sorrow. However, their sorrow would be transformed into great joy when they experienced Jesus’ resurrection. This reaction is later recorded in John 20:20, where it indicates that they rejoiced when they saw Jesus again.
“The same baby that caused the pain also caused the joy! And so it is in the Christian life: God takes seemingly impossible situations, adds the miracle of His grace, and transforms trail into triumph and sorrow into joy.”[2]
Sorrow is something that everyone experiences at some point in life. However, Christians are to not reflect the world but the truths of God’s Word. As a result, we too can have joy by reflecting on the many truths that come from the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives[3]
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] The Moody Gospel Commentary - John, pg. 293.
[2] Warren Wiersbe. The Bible Exposition Commentary, Isaiah-Malachi, pg. 278.
[3] Because He Lives, 1971, William J. Gaither, Inc.