Text: John 16:22-25; 33
Theme: Joy that lasts
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Intro – Kindergarteners’ Skit: “The Mystery of Joy”
Narrator: “One day, three friends were talking about what makes them happy.”
Kid 1: “I’m happy when I eat ice cream!” (pretends to eat, then frowns)
Kid 2: “I’m happy when I win at soccer!” (kicks a ball, then sighs)
Kid 3: “I’m happy when my family is together!”
Narrator: “But what happens when the ice cream melts? When you lose a game? When people have to go home?”
(Each kid looks sad and shrugs)
Kid 1: “Happiness goes away…”
Kid 2: “Then how can we have joy all the time?”
Narrator: “Jesus tells us in the Bible: ‘You will have joy, and no one will take it away!’”
(A child holding a cross walks in, or a voice speaks from offstage)
Jesus: “I give you joy that lasts, even when things change!”
Kid 3: “So, when I pray, Jesus helps me feel joy even if I don’t get what I want?”
Jesus: “Yes! Just ask, and you will receive what you truly need!”
Narrator: “And that’s why we can have real joy—because Jesus loves us, listens to us, and never leaves us!”
(All kids smile, jump, and cheer: “Thank you, Jesus!”)

Pastor’s Message:

The theme for today is Joy that Lasts, which contrasts with fleeting happiness. The skit our Kindergarten students brought today helps us see that joy is different from temporary happiness, just as Jesus explains in today’s Gospel.

1 – Let’s first clarify what happiness is not. Viktor Frankl said, “Lack of purpose leads to seeking pleasure.” Good sensations, good moods, and physical pleasure are not good definitions of true happiness, at least not from our Christian perspective.

2 – In our series this May, we explored the theme “The Science of Happiness Meets the Omniscience of God.” We brought up a speech from a Harvard professor that teaches in the Business school there, who doesn’t highlight money, wellbeing, or success as keys for happiness. Instead, he sets faith, family, friendships, and work as the steady pillars that are predictive of a good, well balanced, happy life.

But what if they fail? For example, I know of some situations where people are wavering in their faith; others are navigating broken family relationships; many have a hard time connecting with friends if they have any. And still for some work is not fulfilling—or they are even unemployed. What then?

3 – In the Gospel of John, chapter 16, Jesus actually warns us that this may happen: “In this world you will have trouble.” The word “trouble” here can also be translated as “pressure”. Do you ever feel pressure in those four pillars?… I think I know the answer.

What Jesus promises, then, is joy. The Joy that lasts.

Jesus’ Promise of Joy (John 16:22–25):

• The Disciples’ Sorrow: The disciples are confused and troubled as Jesus speaks of His departure, but He promises them a joy that will replace their sorrow.
• Grief turns into joy: Much like a mother’s joy after the pain of childbirth. (You could reflect briefly here on the power of that metaphor.)
• A Joy That Lasts: The joy Jesus promises is lasting and rooted in Him—not in the temporary circumstances of life.

Jesus knows what He’s talking about. What happens right after He says this? His arrest, trial, and crucifixion follow. His family isn’t nearby, His friends flee, and His work appears to be over. If He were only human, we might say His faith was shaken. In other words, happiness may not be the best work to describe what happens later that night.

However, the verse doesn’t end there: “But take heart—I have overcome the world.”
On His cross, He defeated sin and brought us forgiveness. When pressure mounts, Jesus offers peace—and joy that lasts. This is why the children told us about joy that lasts. From ice cream to relationships to a job—if they fail, Jesus doesn’t. For joy comes not primarily from getting what we want, but from Jesus giving us what we truly need.

4 – One more thought about joy that lasts: think of something you really enjoy—camping, playing, traveling, watching your favorite show. Now imagine doing it for a long time. Then a little longer. Then more… and more… At some point, you’d likely get tired of it, right? You’d feel great at first, but over time, it wouldn’t bring the same level of joy. We’re not used to things that last forever. Everything in this life comes to an end—and if it doesn’t, it can even become a burden. We often focus on bad moments ending, but good moments end too. In this context, it’s hard to think about a joy that lasts and still keeps us joyful about it.

But that is the joy the kids brought to us today. This is the joy Jesus offers. One that is rooted in Scripture, received by faith, lived in love and that produces the Hope of a Joy that will last forever. The Omniscience of God provides us is complete, free and life giving. It is a joy that lasts.

Conclusion: The Difference Between Happiness and Joy

• Happiness is often based on circumstances. We feel happy when things go our way—ice cream, winning a game, family time.
• Joy is a deep-rooted connection that doesn’t depend on circumstances. Jesus’ joy is eternal—not fading like the things we often depend on for happiness.

We need more than pleasure and happiness. Jesus offers joy for this world—and a joy that will last into eternity.

We find this joy when we are grounded in His love.

Song: GROUNDED IN YOUR LOVE

Direct my eyes to you, o Lord
that they may always see Your light.
Protect me from doubt and fear;
things that cloud my sight.
For I know of the stones ahead;
I long to stand, and not to fall.
I pray that you will guide my steps,
in Your strength, I’ll face it all. 

From your hand, o Lord
comes my hope and peace,
for Your Grace alone
brings my soul release.
Father, in Your Word
I find all my strength
– as my heart remains
grounded in Your Love.

O keep us in The Way, o Lord
that leads to our eternal Home.
In Jesus, Life begins by faith
and lasts forevermore.
Your House is free of pain and tears;
a place where joy will know no end.
So today I ask again, o Lord:
hold me fast within your Hand!

Lucas Andre Albrecht, 2008
English Version: 2025