John 16:24 “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
A few days back, we explored the Greek word chara. We see it again in today’s verse. The interpretation of it in this verse is sorrow turned into joy. As we learned before, the joy that comes after grief or sorrow is all the sweeter and more fulfilling when compared with the prior emotions. And that is the joy we see in today’s verse.
In this passage, Jesus is speaking with his disciples on the night of His arrest. This verse is a promise He gives them that any who pray in His name will experience great joy (John 16:22; Acts 13:52). He knew they needed encouragement and hope, and He did that for them by teaching them of the Holy Spirit who would be their Counselor and source of joy (Romans 15:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:6).
And not only did He promise us joy, but He promised us joy that will be complete. In other versions it is translated as joy that may be full. Regardless of the translation, the message is clear – we will experience joy to the fullest, to the utmost. It is joy that is comes to us through the Holy Spirit. We experience a sense of well-being, of true peace and happiness that is not dependent upon our actions or external circumstances. It is the same joy that was spoken of by the angels of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10). This joy is beyond our comprehension or imagination and is indescribable, even when experienced. It is truly an amazing promise by Jesus to us all.
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