I Have Overcome The World
June 2022 |
In the Gospel of John, Jesus foretold that His disciples would soon face great trials and tribulations. Of course, their hearts were troubled. While experiencing fear and trepidation, Jesus immediately gave them hope. He said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
These Things
What were “these things” that Jesus was referring to? It could mean the verses immediately preceding this verse, or it could refer to the whole discourse Jesus had with His disciples that culminated with, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace” (John 16:33).
The Preceding Verses
Just prior to this verse, Jesus spoke of His coming crucifixion: “Behold the hour comes, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone, and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me” (John 16:32).
Jesus told them that they would see Him taken and led to His crucifixion resulting in them forsaking Him. These verses do not promote peace. Not at all.
The Previous Discourse
John 13:1 through 17:26 deals with Jesus’ personal ministry to His handpicked disciples. Jesus was preparing them for the time when He would not physically be present to direct them. This fairly long discourse is a mixture of instructions, prophecies, and promises.
Instructions And Encouragement
Starting at the Last Supper, Jesus gave instructions on humility as He washed their feet and then commanded them to follow His example. Then He gave them a new commandment, to love one another.
After telling Peter that he would deny Him three times, Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2). Jesus then confirmed clearly Who He was. “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
Power
We then read how Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would abide with them forever. He would comfort them and teach them all things and even bring to remembrance all that Jesus had taught them (John 14:26). This, no doubt, encouraged them.
Peace
Jesus promised them peace, not like the world gives, but a supernatural peace. He repeated, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). What a promise!
Ask Anything In My Name
John 15 is the great “abiding in the vine” discourse: “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:7). In the midst of trials and tribulations, we can ask the Father anything in Jesus’ name!
I Have Overcome The World
These are just some of the things that Jesus was referring to when He said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Since Jesus overcame the world, each and every believer can have good cheer. The completed work of Calvary offers forgiveness to the sin-bound sinner, victory in the midst of spiritual warfare, access to the throne room of God, and healing through our Savior’s stripes.
Saint, be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome the world. Through the cross, you can have all of your needs taken care of. Now that’s worth shouting over!
|
|
