John 16:20

In this verse is subjoyned Christs exposition of this encouragement; wherein (explaining the causes by the effects) he declareth, that however, by his absence, they should have sad sorrow, while the world should be rejoycing; yet their sorrow should end in joy. Which as it was verified to the disciples in their joy after their sad homes, for his suffering and removal; so it is also made good to beleevers in all ages, who have their joyes and sorrows succeeding each other, but still their joy last. Doct. 1. Christs doctrine to his followers, especially concerning their allowed comfort under and after sorrow, is not empty and vain promises, but serious and solid truth; Therefore is it conformed here, and v. 23. with a double asseveration, Verily, verily I say unto you. 2. It is the great fault of discouraged believers that they are slow of heart to believe Christs allowed encouragements; and yet it is most acceptable to him, that they give credit to them, and rest upon them; for, this asseveration imports not only the gravity of the matter, but further also, that we are averse and unwilling to beleeve it, and that Christ is earnest we should give credit thereto. 3. It is very suitable that answerable affections go along with our conditions, and that our conditions be evidenced thereby; Therefore, doth he here explain his being not seen, or seen, by them, v. 16. by their sorrow and joy, as evidencing how they were affected with these dispensations. 4. As it is the lot of beleevers, to meet with sorrow in the world; so Christs absence and removal will be the chief cause of most bitter sorrow to them; Not that they are allowed to mourne without hope, but by their sorrow for this they testifie their estimation of him, that nothing can be comfortable to them without him, and that they do keep his roome in their heart till he come again: And withal, when he is absent, and their sun down, they will meet with many dark clouds and sharp showers, to fill them with griefe; for, when they see not him, ye shall weep and lament, saith he. 5. The world are so opposite to Christ and his people, that it is the time of their joy when Christ is removed, and the godly set down in sorrow thereby for, these two go together, ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoyce. See Rev. 11.10. 6. As it is the wretched disposition of the world, to rejoyce in the want of Christ out of the world, and in the godlies affliction: So the Lord, in his holy providence, may sometime permit them this advantage of rejoycing; partly, that it may adde to the exercise of his afflicted people; partly, that the disposition of some wicked men may be discovered, who otherwise would carry smoothly, Luk. 2.34, 35 Partly, to let them see that when they have got their will for a time, yet it will not avail them; and partly to embitter their future sorrow by these fits of joy, Rev. 18.7. For these causes it is that the Lord permits that the world shall rejoyce. So that such advantages might be matter of terrour to them, if they looked rightly upon them. 7. Christ would not have his people pleasing themselves, with the dream of a constant calme, but seriously laying their account to meet with sorrow and grief, for their exercise and trial, and to fit them for his joy; Therefore doth he again tell them, ye shall be sorrowful. 8. As the wickeds joy is but for a moment, and goeth before a sad storme of sorrow, which will be their lust and final portion; So the sorrows of the godly will end in joy, and joy will be the upshot of all their griefes; yea, their present sorrow shall afterward afford matter of joy: for, your sorrow shall (not only end in, but) be turned into joy, as he turned water into wine. See Psalm 126.5, 6.