The Community Faces Pain and Joy

In John 16: 16-24; 20: 11-16, the scripture for Sunday, April 4, 2010, the author speaks of Jesus' love for those who had been so close to Him (the community) for three years. Jesus was aware of what was about to happen to Him and the pain they would suffer. He tried to help them understand by saying, "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father." His death, burial, and Resurrection - and where he was going. The disciples anticipated Jesus becoming the ruler of the Israelites, so they were confused by the statement in "a little while." Jesus heard their conversation and knew He had their attention to explain further. He liken the pain they would experience to that of a woman giving birth to a child; the pain she would feel, then the joy she would receive by bring a child into the world. The disciples would be in pain and sorrowful at Jesus death, however there was a greater mission He would fulfill, that would bring them and the world joy, that no man could take away. His instructions included how they could acquire their desires by asking the Father in His name. The Christian community has access to God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit because of Jesus death, burial and Resurection.