Jesus comforted his disciples by telling them that through their greatest sorrow (his death) will come their greatest joy (his resurrection, and all its implications). If God can produce great joy through great sorrow, then we can trust him with all of our sorrows and pain. He promises that he will work all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

While Jesus was on earth, he convicted the world of sin, righteous, and judgment — not to condemn them, but so that he might save them.

Now that Jesus has returned to his place by the Father’s side in heaven, he has sent his Holy Spirit to continue that same ministry. Convincing the unbelieving world of sin, so that they might seek its cure in Christ; of righteousness, that they might see that their best deeds are insufficient; and of judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged and defeated at the cross of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the true vine, the Father is the vinedresser, and we are the branches. Our Lord uses this illustration to teach us the importance of abiding in his love, so that God may be most glorified through our lives, and that our joy might be full!

While coming with a caution to those who do not remain connected to the Vine, it is a passage full of gospel-comfort. Jesus is teaching us to draw on him and his inexhaustible resources for all our needs, instead of relying on our own resources, or on the world’s techniques.