20 I tell you for certain that you will cry and be sad, but the world will be happy. You will be sad, but later you will be happy.
21 When a woman is about to give birth, she is in great pain. But after it is all over, she forgets the pain and is happy, because she has brought a child into the world.
22 You are now very sad. But later I will see you, and you will be so happy that no one will be able to change the way you feel.
23 When that time comes, you won't have to ask me about anything. I tell you for certain the Father will give you whatever you ask for in my name.
24 You have not asked for anything in this way before, but now you must ask in my name. Then it will be given to you, so you will be completely happy.
25 I have used examples to explain to you what I have been talking about. But the time will come when I will speak to you plainly about the Father and will no longer use examples like these.
26 You will ask the Father in my name, and I won't have to ask him for you.