By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Saturday, November 19, 2011 · Christ the King Sunday
Sermon Text: John 16:16-24
Sermon Theme
The disciples are confused by Jesus (again). He is telling them he will no longer be with them in a physical sense. However, as he said, he will be with them through the Holy Spirit. He is preparing them for the cross. The cross appears to be the world’s victory and God’s defeat. Yet it is just the opposite. As a woman faces suffering in giving birth so the disciples will face suffering. However when a child is born the woman rejoices. Through the pain symbolized by the cross the disciples will come to complete joy. This joy is promised to us as well.
Sermon Outline
I. Pain
Jesus is preparing his disciples for his crucifixion. He gives them the seemingly contradictory message that in a little while they will not see him and then again in a little while they will. What does Jesus mean by this? The disciples will weep and mourn but the world will rejoice. At the cross it will appear that the enemies of Christ have defeated him. These enemies are many faceted. There are first the religious leaders who believe in their own righteousness. They are offended by Jesus’ acceptance of sinful people (not to mention his turning water into wine). More than this they are offended by his drectly challenging them. Pilate is annoyed at having to decide his fate. He is not sure what even truth is, much less can he understand Jesus (John 18:38). Ultimately Satan himself has plotted Jesus’ destruction. He has taken over Judas (John 13:26-27). He rejoices at Peter’s denial. At any given moment throughout history it can appear that Jesus and his Gospel have failed.
II. Presence
Jesus describes the pain and sorrow of the disciples in terms of a woman about to give birth. The pain is real and intense. The end result however is supreme joy in the birth of a child. This image is found throughout Scripture. Isaiah speaks of the rebirth of Israel after her captivity in Babylon in terms of the birth of a new nation (Isaiah 66:7-11). The prophet Micah describes Israel’s captivity as the groaning of a woman in labor (Micah 4:9-10). Paul presents the picture of all creation going through labor pains before the birth of God’s plan of redemption (Romans. 8:20-23). The shame and death of the cross will result not only in Christ’s resurrection but in the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 20:19-23). The larger truth here is that the pain we suffer in this life is able to lead us into a more powerful experience of the love of God (Romans 5:1-5). Christ is present in a new way through the reality of the Spirit. The Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:12). Jesus himself is the truth (John 14:6). As we seek to understand and live out the truth of Jesus we know that the Holy Spirit leads us.
III. Promise
Jesus promises us nothing less than complete joy. In the reality of the crucified and risen Christ we have a joy that cannot be taken away. What is the basis of this joy? First it is that God loves us (John 16:27). Second it is that Jesus will not condemn us no matter what our sin (John 8:11). Third, Jesus will care for us even when others reject us (John 4:7-9). Fourth, Jesus takes away our fear (John 14:27). Fifth, Jesus is our light in the darkenss of this world (John 8:12). Sixth, Jesus gives us eternal life (John 10:28). Seventh, Jesus is King and Lord over all (John 12:13; 20:28). He conquers the world and drives out the evil one (John 16:33; 12:31). Does this mean that all pain and struggle is over? That is not the case in this life any more than the birth of a child means that a parent will never experience suffering or sorrow. Yet because of Jesus Christ joy triumphs over all pain. To ask God in Jesus’ name is to pray according to Jesus’ purpose for us and for the world. As the Spirit draws us closer to Christ we desire what he desires. We ask according to our faith in Christ. And therefore we know that we will receive complete joy.
Questions for Us
- Why is it that the Gospel of Jesus Christ sometimes appears to be ineffective in the world?
- How can pain whether physical or spiritual draw us closer to Jesus Christ? How can pain lead to joy (as in the example of the woman giving birth)?
- How have you experienced joy in your relationship to Jesus?
