17 Some of Jesus' disciples said to each other, "What does he mean: ‘Soon you won't see me, and soon after that you will see me' and ‘Because I'm going to the Father'?
18
What does he mean by ‘soon'? We don't understand what he's talking about."
19
Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, so he said, “Are you trying to find out from each other what I meant when I said, ‘Soon you won't see me, and soon after that you will see me'?
20
I assure you that you will cry and lament, and the world will be happy. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.
21
When a woman gives birth, she has pain because her time has come. But when the child is born, she no longer remembers her distress because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.
22
In the same way, you have sorrow now; but I will see you again, and you will be overjoyed. No one takes away your joy.
23
In that day, you won't ask me anything. I assure you that the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
24
Up to now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive so that your joy will be complete.