The Departure of Jesus - Pt. 3
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | September 9 2024 | John 16:20-24
KEY VERSE:
”Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep, lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” John 16:20 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
Emotional states, whether joy or sorrow, can sometimes lead to poor decisions. For instance, people celebrating can become reckless—drinking too much or being careless, which may lead to accidents. Likewise, when grieving, we may be more vulnerable to making bad decisions. In reflecting on the actions of the disciples, we see that despite the emotional turbulence they faced, they made some right decisions with far-reaching consequences or import, worth noting
But before we consider their actions, let’s first reflect on what our Lord Jesus did during His suffering. In the pangs of crucifixion, He made sure the mother was taken care of in His absence (John 19:26-27). When in emotional turmoil, one key ingredient vital to making the right decisions or taking solid steps is our wits. The frontline disciples scattered or fled in the heady hours but others rose to the occasion - when it mattered most. First, Joseph of Arimathea, hitherto a secret disciple, boldly went to Pilate to request the body of Christ and got him buried in his own unused tomb (Luke 23:50-53). His action got Isaiah 53:9 fulfilled!!!
Luke 23:55 states, “The women who had come with Him (Jesus) from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how His body was laid.” Verse 56 adds that they then went to prepare ointments and spices and returned after the Sabbath, only to find the grave empty. Given these details, how could it be claimed that they went to the wrong tomb? It's important to remember that the tomb was sealed by the Jewish leaders, who could have easily produced Christ’s body if it were still there.
Friends, when we rightly sing an empty grave to prove, I suggest we pause and thank God for these background disciples who had their wits about them in those heady hours. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
When emotions threaten to overwhelm us, let us strive to act with wisdom and faith, trusting that God will guide our steps through difficult times. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Joseph, Nicodemus, and the courageous women who stood firm in their faith during difficult times. Help me to remain focused and make wise decisions, no matter what emotions I face. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: LAMENT The Greek word used for "lament" in this verse is κλαίω (klaió), which generally means to weep, cry out, or mourn intensely. This term is often used to express deep sorrow or mourning, particularly in response to loss or tragedy. In biblical contexts, it conveys a strong, emotional outpouring of grief.
Weep: Expressing sorrow through tears.
Mourn: Grieving over a significant loss, often in the context of death or destruction.
Cry out: A verbal expression of grief or distress.
In the immediate context of John 16:20, "lament" refers to the emotional response of the disciples to Jesus' impending crucifixion. As they witness His death, they will be filled with profound grief and mourning, as their hopes seem to be crushed. The disciples' lament mirrors the human experience of grief but is imbued with the promise of joy through Christ's redemptive work. Reflections: Even in our deepest moments of sorrow, we can hold onto the assurance that Christ’s victory transforms our mourning into joy, reminding us that our suffering is temporary. How can you find hope in Christ’s promise of joy amidst your experiences of sorrow and lament?
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