Teaching by Sandra, John 16.16-33, Mar 27, 2022, part of “Beloved  Community in Liminal Time” series.

John 16.16-33 (NIVUK) 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.’