Easter · Sixth Sunday of Easter · Year C
John 16:23-33
The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy
May 21, 2028
Overview & Insights
“You will have sorrow, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (John 16:20)
The second farewell discourse runs most closely parallel to the first precisely where it is most properly a “farewell” (i.e., where it addresses directly the question of Jesus’ impending departure; cf. 13:33). Here, inevitably, is also where the differences between the two discourses become most noticeable. Whereas the first discourse was largely structured around a series of questions by various disciples, here the question-and-answer method seems to be consciously abandoned. The earlier discourse began with Peter’s “Lord, where are you going?” in 13:36, but here Jesus makes the specific statement that none of you asks me “Where are you going?” (v. 5b). The reference is not simply to questions but to the specific question that touched off the whole discourse comprising 13:36–14:31. It is as if Jesus shows awareness of 13:36 but makes a conscious effort to do things differently.
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Commentary
John 16 Commentary: The Departing Jesus' Final Teaching Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse evangelical study covering the plain speech about asking the Father and overcoming the world.
John 16:23 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered verse by verse on asking in Jesus' name and the promise of full joy.
John 16 Commentary Precept Austin
Deep inductive digest with word studies on prayer in Jesus' name and peace amid tribulation.
John 16:23 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary StudyLight
Multiple classic commentaries (Barnes, Gill, and others) gathered on this passage page.
Background & Word Study
John 16:23 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for asking in Jesus' name and the promise that he has overcome the world.
Gospel of John Overview, Chapters 13-21 BibleProject
Animated overview video placing this passage within its book's structure.
John - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background course on John's authorship, purpose, and themes (background only).
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
How will the disciples' grief turn to joy?
Like a woman in labor whose anguish gives way to joy, the disciples' grief at Jesus' going will become a joy no one can take away; and whatever they ask the Father in his name he will give.
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