Purposeful Pain

John 16:16-22 “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” 17 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 I tell you the truth, 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.”
 
THE disciples are confused and afraid. To this point, Jesus has talked about one betraying him and told Peter that he will deny knowing Jesus. He has spoken of going away to prepare a new place for them. He promises a Helper will come to teach and guide them. Then he seems to speak a riddle, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” What does that mean?
   Again, this is Jesus preparing his friends for the incredible trauma of his death. Enormous emotional pain will flood their hearts. Fear will threaten to dislodge their faith. In the midst of their grief, he assures them joy will replace their grief. After just “a little while,” they “will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”   
   They will know the grief and fear that will cut through their hearts when Jesus brutally dies. But in “a little while” they will experience the joy of Jesus’ resurrection. The disciples will know the truth of, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) They will understand “a little while” was just three days. Yes, they will joyfully believe and understand John 14:4 “You know the way to the place where I am going.” when they watch him ascend to Heaven.
   If you are dealing with some form of pain and suffering, please remember two things. One, Jesus has come from Heaven to purposefully suffer and die in one of the world’s most horrible executions ever conceived. He is fully and personally aware of your suffering. Know he knows your need.
   Two, pray to know the purpose for your pain. Perhaps it has been to bring you closer to Jesus. Perhaps it is to teach those who care for you. Submit to God’s purpose and trust your Lord. Know truly it is only for “a little while”. Eternity’s joy is forever.
 
Prayer: Lord God, there are many who suffer physical and emotional pain. Bring them close to you. Soothe their aching and wondering hearts with a generous touch of your personal healing, love, comfort, peace and joy. You heal every disease, Lord God, and I pray you heal the disease of each person who prays this today. In Jesus’ name, hear our prayers. Amen.