In the Bible, the concept of “connection” is centered on life-giving power that brings God’s blessings. A superficial relationship—based on outward appearance—does not connect us with God, nor does it bring us into unity with other believers. God is calling for a covenant relationship or bond in which His love can flourish, not a social acquaintance void of life-giving substance.
Jesus uses the imagery of a Vine with branches to teach about this “connection” and the unlimited flow of God’s blessing (John 15:5). A branch cannot grow and produce fruit if it is separated from the vine. We must be connected to God if we are ever going to connect and grow in the holy nature of God—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Making this vertical and horizontal connection is essential for experiencing life-giving joy. Abiding in Jesus [staying connected] and obeying God’s Word [living connected] leads to a wonderful and priceless fullness of joy; a joy no one and nothing can rob (John 15:11 NLT).
In our passage today, Jesus prepares the disciples by telling them that he is going away, something that will leave them mourning. Jesus is going to suffer and die, which will bring sorrow, but he is going to be raised back up to life, which will bring them great joy!
God often works the same way in our lives: seasons of confusion, waiting, or suffering can become places where deeper joy is born through our connection with Him. When we stay connected to Jesus, we receive strength to endure difficult seasons, wisdom to obey His Word, and love to share with others. The closer we remain to Him, the more His life flows through us.
John 16:16-24 NLT Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy
16 “In a little while, you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”
17 Some of the disciples asked each other, “What does he mean when he says, ‘In a little while you won’t see me, but then you will see me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? 18 And what does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand.”
19 Jesus realized they wanted to ask him about it, so he said, “Are you asking yourselves what I meant? I said in a little while you won’t see me, but a little while after that you will see me again. 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy. 23 At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.
Prayer: Lord, the way the world looks at life, salvation, and the truth is a challenge for us as believers. Many times, we feel like misfits, and our minds and hearts can easily feel troubled by the lack of love and genuine caring. Suffering is real. Yet, we trust you and know you are grooming us for holy things that one day will be revealed. This understanding brings us great joy! In Jesus’ name. Amen.