Bible reading (ESV)
John 16:16–33
16 A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 Some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘A little while’? We do not know what he is speaking of.” 18 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, that I said, ‘A little while and you will see me no longer, and again a little while and you will see me’? 19 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 20 When a woman is in labor she has sorrow, because her hour has come, but when she has given birth she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 21 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. 22 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. 23 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
24 “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for 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 have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”
31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Observation questions (3–4)
- What four promises about sorrow, joy, and asking the Father appear in John 16:20–24? [11:25]
- Where does Jesus tell believers their joy cannot be taken from them, and what immediate action does he connect to that promise? [12:00]
- How does Jesus contrast the world’s reaction and the disciples’ experience in John 16:20–21? What image does he use to describe sorrow turning into joy? [11:04]
- What practical picture from Nehemiah was used to describe how people rebuilt the wall (tools and weapons together)? Where in the message was that example emphasized? [31:32]
Interpretation questions (3–4)
- How should the promise that “no one will take your joy” (John 16:22) shape a believer’s expectation when facing grief or public opposition? [12:00]
- In light of Jesus’ command to “ask the Father in my name” so “your joy may be full” (John 16:23–24), what is the relationship between prayer and joy? Why might asking in Jesus’ name be essential to experiencing full joy? [12:24]
- What does the metaphor of a woman in labor (v. 21) suggest about the timing and intensity of spiritual breakthrough—how should a person live while waiting? [11:25]
- If Nehemiah’s workers carried a tool in one hand and a weapon in the other, how should a person balance inward character (fruit of the Spirit) and outward spiritual power (gifts/authority) when rebuilding something God has called them to? [31:32]
Application questions (4–7)
- Begin each day by declaring, “This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.” What would it look like this week to actually practice that the first minute after you wake up? Try it for three mornings and report back: what changed in your mood, choices, or words? [16:41]
- Intentionally choose one simple “joy habit” (sing a short chorus, laugh out loud, read Psalm 100, or say “I will rejoice”) to use the moment you feel anxious. Which habit will you try, when exactly will you use it, and how will you remind yourself? [17:21]
- Identify one place where doom scrolling or anxious media is feeding fear in your life. What concrete limit will you set (time, app blocker, scheduled media fast) and what spiritual practice will replace that time (Scripture reading, prayer, worship)? [19:49]
- Replace the phrase “I can’t” with “I will with Christ” in one current obstacle. What is the obstacle, what practical first step will you take this week toward rebuilding, and who will hold you accountable? [27:23]
- Which wall is God asking you to stand on right now—home, work, family, a ministry, or a neighborhood—and what are one tool and one weapon you will carry this week (a practical tool, and a spiritual weapon such as prayer, proclamation, or a specific Scripture)? Carry them intentionally and report the effects. [31:32]
- Practice asking the Father in Jesus’ name for a specific need so that “your joy may be full.” What is the request, when will you pray it aloud, and how will you track God’s faithfulness over the next 30 days? [12:00]
- Consider your connect group, neighborhood, or workplace: who seems quietly sorrowful this season and needs someone with a full tank of joy to show up? Name one person and a concrete, compassionate action you will take to bring life and hope to them this month. [20:53]
