We realize you may not be able to discuss b. How does a relationship with Jesus help you all the questions. Pick the ones you like. endure times of sorrow and pain? Small Group Questions c. What would you say to someone who is “Three Days Changes Everything: Grief to Joy” experiencing pain or sorrow in order to encourage John 16:16-24 them and remind them of God’s love for them?

Previous message summary: Jesus tells his disciples that he Discussion Questions is going away, and that his departure is really to their Read John 16:16-24 advantage. It is to their advantage because Jesus is going to the cross so that all people can receive forgiveness of sin and 2. What is Jesus referring to when he says, “A little experience mercy and grace and peace with God. If Jesus while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little does not go away, salvation will not be possible. But in addition while, and you will see me”? to salvation, it is also an advantage to the disciples for Jesus to a. Has Jesus talked about going away before? go away, because when Jesus goes away, he will send the Helper, the Holy Spirit, to work in the world and to work in the (Read John 13:33, 36; 16:5) Has Jesus talked lives of these disciples. He will work to convict the world of sin, about coming back before? (Read 14:2-4; 14:18- righteousness, and judgment and he will work to guide the 19) disciples in the truth, and to declare things to come, and the b. Did the disciples understand what Jesus was Holy Spirit will guide the disciples to glorify Jesus. telling them when he said he was going away, and What we learned: Because of what Jesus chose to do by coming back? going away, and because the Holy Spirt has been promised, c. Does their lack of understanding surprise you? we can know that the Holy Spirit is working in people’s lives as What work will the Holy Spirit do when he comes? either a defense attorney or a prosecuting attorney. Those who choose to believe in Jesus can know that the Holy Spirit is Read John 14:26 & 16:13. standing beside them to provide counsel, guidance, comfort, 3. What will cause the disciples to weep and lament? and a strong defense before the Father. Those who choose to What will cause the world to rejoice? Is Jesus talking reject the message of Jesus can be assured that the Holy Spirit about the same event that will cause two very different will work to convict them, or prove them to be wrong about sin, reactions? righteousness, and judgment. The difference between the Holy Spirit as a defender or prosecutor is what we do with Jesus in a. Are there things that take place in the world today our life. Do we believe or deny who Jesus is and what he has that cause Christians to weep and lament? Do done? these same things cause the world to rejoice? Introduction b. What does Jesus say about the sorrow of the disciples? How will their sorrow change? How will 1. When you look back over your life, what are some of this be possible? your most joyful moments? Was the joy the result of something that was difficult or painful to experience? c. Are there things in your life that have caused you sorrow? If so, what are those things? How has a. How can joy come into the life of a Christian God turned your sorrow into joy? Read Romans through, or as a result of, pain and sorrow? Is this 8:28. a work of the Holy Spirit? d. What can we learn from Jesus about where real b. When people look at your life, do they see love, joy comes from? Read Hebrews 12:2. peace, grace, and joy? If not, what would need to 4. Does the illustration of childbirth help the disciples change for you to be full of the things that Jesus understand how sorrow can turn to joy? How does this came to give to you? illustration help you understand real joy? 7. What is one way you can share the joy of the Lord a. How should a Christian view pain and sorrow and with those around you this week who may be in the trials in their life? Read James 1:2-4. midst of sorrow and pain? b. Can joy exist without pain and sorrow? Why or Challenge: Life is hard and filled with many challenges why not? that bring sorrow and pain into our lives. In those times of c. What does Jesus say about the lasting nature of pain and sorrow, cling to the promise of Jesus and allow the disciples’ joy? Will it be taken from them? him to turn your sorrow into joy. d. How does the promise of a lasting joy encourage Action: Complete this sentence: This week, I will give you as you go through life? (something painful or sorrowful) ______5. Re-read John 16:23-24. What does Jesus mean when to Jesus and allow him to fill me with joy instead. he says, “In that day you will ask nothing of me”? Why will they not ask anything? When will this take place? Next Steps: a. When Jesus says, “Whatever you ask of the G I will pray that I clearly see (understand) Jesus for Father in my name,” what kind of asking is he who he is. talking about? Is there a contradiction between this statement and his previous statement? G I realize that Jesus is the source of grace (1:16), life (10:10), and joy (15:11; 16:24). b. How many times now has Jesus told the disciples that they can ask for anything in his name? Read G I will pray that Christ’s will be done in my life (i.e., I will John 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; & 16:23. What does it pray in Jesus’ name). mean to ask in the name of Jesus? What prayers can we pray and know that God will answer for G I am so thankful that God can turn my sorrow into joy us? (1:24; Rom 8:28). c. What are you currently praying and asking the Father for, in the name of Jesus? 6. What does Jesus say about where joy comes from in the life of a Christian? Does the joy come from a life free from pain or sorrow? a. Jesus is the source of full joy. Read john 15:11. What other things does Jesus provide fully in the life of a Christian? Read John 1:14-16; 10:10; 14:27.