Scripture affirms this truth: "A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy" JOHN 16:21). Jesus used this illustration with His disciples to emphasize that though they would grieve His soon departure, that grief would turn to joy when they saw Him again (VV. 20-22).
Jesus was referring to His death and resurrection-and what followed. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He did not leave His friends grief-stricken. He sent the Holy Spirit, who would fill them with joy JOHN
16:7-15; ACTS 13:52).
When someday we see Jesus face-to-face, the anguish we experience on this earth will be forgotten. But until then, the Lord has not left us without joy-He has given us His Spirit (ROMANS 15:13; 1 PETER 1:8-9)
