John 16:20
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Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
DISCOURSE AT THE SUPPER TABLE CONCLUDED. (John 16:1-33) These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended--both the warnings and the encouragements just given.
Open source ↗Among other glorious things God hath spoken of himself this is one, I wound, and I heal, Deu. 32, 39. Christ's discourse in this chapter, which continues and concludes his farewell sermon to his disciples, does so. I. Here are wounding words in the notice he gives them of the troubles that were before them (Joh 16:1-6). II. Here are healing words in the comforts he administers to them for their support under those troubles, which are five: - 1. That he would send them the Comforter (Joh 16:7-15). 2. That he would visit them again at his resurrection (Joh 16:16-22). 3. That he would secure to them an answer of peace to all their prayers (Joh 16:23-27). 4. That he was now but returning to his Father (Joh 16:28-32). 5. That, whatever troubles they might meet with in this world, by virtue of his victory over it they should be sure of peace in him (Joh 16:33).
Open source ↗16:20 At the crucifixion, the world thought it had won a victory over the light. The shock of the cross would cause the disciples to weep and mourn, but their sorrow would change to joy when Jesus defeated the grave (20:20).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds,
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
She went and told those who had been with Him, who were mourning and weeping.
sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
for I will refresh the weary soul and replenish all who are weak.”
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you unblemished in His glorious presence, with great joy—
For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning.
But we were hoping He was the One who would redeem Israel. And besides all this, it is the third day since these things took place.
You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.