John 16:16-22 - Homiletics

The departure of Jesus, with its experiences of sorrow and joy to the disciples.

They were soon to stand in a new relation to Christ.

I. THE DEPARTURE AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST . "A little while, and ye shall see me no more: then a little while more, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father?

1. Our " Lord foresees and declares his death as almost at hand . That would for the time sever him from the sight of his disciples.

2. He foresees and declares his return , which would have three stages .

His ascension to the Father would restore him spiritually to his disciples through the work of the Holy Spirit.

IX. THE PERPLEXED AND SORROWFUL CURIOSITY OF THE DISCIPLES . They could not understand his words.

1. If he were going to found an earthly kingdom , why should he depart?

2. If not , why should he return?

III. OUR LORD 'S SATISFACTION OF THEIR CURIOSITY .

1. He gives them a last proof of his omniscience ; for "Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him."

2. His explanation turns upon the various emotions that will be excited in their breasts by his departure and his return .

(a) The condition of the scattered disciples after his death, and the tears of Mary Magdalene, explain the first statement.

(b) That death, however; would be a source of joy to the world, which had triumphed in the riddance of earth of a dangerous Teacher.

(a) The grief would be short, like the sufferings of a woman in travail.

(b) The joy which would follow would spring out of the grief.

(c) The joy would touch the deepest springs of the heart. "And your heart shall rejoice.

(d) It would be beyond the power of man to check or destroy it. "And your joy no man taketh from you."