8. When the Helper comes, he will prove to the people of the world the truth about sin, about being right with God, and about judgment.
9. He will prove to them about sin, because they don’t believe in me.
10. He will prove to them that I am right with God, because I am going to the Father. You will not see me anymore.
11. And the Helper will prove to them the truth about judgment, because the ruler of this world is already judged.
12. “I have many more things to say to you, but they are too much for you now.
13. But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what is to come.
14. The Spirit of truth will bring glory to me. He will take what I have to say and tell it to you.
15. All that the Father has is mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will take what I have to say and tell it to you.
16. “After a little while you will not see me. And then after a little while you will see me again.”
17. Some of the followers said to each other, “What does Jesus mean when he says, ‘After a little while you will not see me, and then after a little while you will see me again’? And what does he mean when he says, ‘Because I am going to the Father’?”
18. They also asked, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”
19. Jesus saw that the followers wanted to ask him about this. So Jesus said to the followers, “Are you asking each other what I meant when I said, ‘After a little while you will not see me. And then after a little while you will see me again’?
20. I tell you the truth. You will cry and be sad, but the world will be happy. You will be sad, but your sadness will become joy.
21. When a woman gives birth to a baby, she has pain, because her time has come. But when her baby is born, she forgets the pain. She forgets because she is so happy that a child has been born into the world.
22. It is the same with you. Now you are sad. But I will see you again and you will be happy. And no one will take away your joy.
23. In that day you will not ask me for anything. I tell you the truth. My Father will give you anything you ask for in my name.
24. You have never asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive. And your joy will be the fullest joy.