Why did sorrow fill the hearts of the disciples during Christ’s farewell speech?
Q484 · The Heavenly High Priest and the Church
The word “sorrow” appeared in Christ’s farewell speech to the disciples several times: “Because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts” (John 16:6); “I say to you that you will weep and lament; but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful; but your sorrow will be turned to joy” (John 16:20); and “You now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and your joy, no one will take from you” (John 16:22). Why did sorrow fill their hearts? How will they rejoice, and how will no one take their joy away from them?
Sorrow filled their hearts because they did not understand the mystery of the cross, that it would open to them the gates of heaven that were shut since the days of Adam who turned his back to God, did not trust in the divine commandment, and trusted in the deceptive words of the devil.
They had not yet experienced the power of the resurrection to sing: “[He] raised us up together. And made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:6).
They had not yet experienced that the Church is the body of Christ and that whatever the Head does, is for our sake — His body.
They did not comprehend the work of the Holy Trinity for us and in us. Christ said, “My father has been working until now, and I have been working” (John 5:17). And that when He ascends to heaven and sends the Holy Spirit, He would then say, “My Holy Spirit works in you while My Father and I are also at work within you.”
The Holy Spirit did not stop working for the sake of our salvation, victory, and enjoyment of the heavenly glories.
They had not yet seen Christ as the unique High Priest, who is able to intercede on their behalf before the Father. The Apostle says, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession” (Heb. 4:14). Not only does He forgive our sins, but we are also justified in Him (Gal. 2:17) and are made worthy of the heavenly inheritance.