Easter · The Sixth Sunday of Easter (Rogate)
John 16:23-30 (31-33)
The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy
May 10, 2026
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
David Guzik works verse by verse through the farewell discourse, including the promise that the Father will give whatever is asked in Jesus' name.
John 16:23 Commentaries BibleHub
A stacked column of classic commentators (Barnes, Ellicott, Meyer, Pulpit) on the day when asking directly of the Father becomes possible.
John 16 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
Verse-level notes gathering many evangelical voices and word helps across the whole chapter.
Background & Word Study
John - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's scholarly introduction to authorship, structure, and themes of the Fourth Gospel.
Gospel of John Summary | Watch an Overview Video (Part 1) BibleProject
An animated overview that maps the Gospel's design so the farewell discourse can be read in its setting.
What is the Holy Spirit in the Bible? | Watch an Explainer Video BibleProject
An explainer on the Spirit, the gift Jesus promises across the John 16 farewell that frames this teaching on prayer.
John 16:23 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek text with parsing for aiteo (ask) and the phrase in my name, key terms of the passage.
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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