Big Idea: Jesus’ resurrection can transform sorrow into joy.

            John 16:16-22

            Revelation 21:3-4

            John 16:23-24

            Hebrews 4:16

Message Questions

If you only had hours left to live, what would you do? For Jesus, he chose to spend his last moments before going to the cross teaching his disciples the most important truths they would need to cling to once he was gone. These are the things Jesus knew they needed to know, and we do too. In this message series, we’ll be diving into John 13-16 as we learn more about the Heart of the Teacher: Jesus’ Final Words. This week we are in John 16:16-24, and the big idea is: Jesus’ resurrection can transform sorrow into joy. 

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do. 

1. Have someone read John 16:16-18. What were the disciples confused about in these verses, and how does their confusion reveal their state of mind at this moment?
2. Have someone read John 16:19-22. What comparison does Jesus make to explain how sorrow will turn to joy, and what specific promise does he make to the disciples in vs. 22?
3. Have someone read John 16:23-24. What new relationship with God does Jesus describe in these verses, and what does he say will make their joy complete?
4. Jesus explains that pain can lead to growth just as childbirth leads to new life. In what ways has your faith been challenged to grow through difficult seasons, and how have those challenges shaped your relationship with Jesus?
5. Jesus promises we can approach God directly in his name. As we go and share this good news with others, who are you planning to invite to our Easter services? How might the resurrection story transform their sorrow into joy? Spend a few minutes as a group praying for these people.