“It is the nature of joy that all questions grow silent,
and nothing needs explaining.”
Rudolf Bultmann.

When you read the gospels do you ever have questions about some of the things Jesus says? Would you occasionally like some clarification on statements he makes?That’s the situation with the disciples in John 16:16-24 as we return to the Upper Room Discourse this week. Having learned that Jesus is leaving, they are more than a little distressed. They are also, as we will see, more than a little confused. Jesus tells them: “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” Huh?

They don’t understand. They have questions. In answering his friends, Jesus makes two promises that are so wonderful they are hard to believe:

“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything.”

Jesus promises them a joy that will be permanent. “Right now,” he says, “you are sad and it’s going to get worse before it gets better but when it gets better it will be forever. In the end joy will win.” But he also promises them a day when there will no longer be any questions. Imagine that. That will be a good day. See you on Sunday!