In this passage (John 16:21-33) Jesus compares the present distress of his disciples to that of a pregnant woman who is ready to give birth. The pain will soon be replaced by joy, when they see the risen Lord and the Holy Spirit comes to them. This does not mean that their lives will be easy. On the contrary Jesus had consistently prepared them for the tribulation to come, but he has also reassured them that everything will come out OK — he has (ALREADY) overcome the world. The heretofore customary review was foreshortened this night, so please begin at the beginning.
