Read: John 16:25-32
[Jesus said…] “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:25-33 (ESV)
In this, His last evening before His unjust execution, Jesus tells his closest friends about severe trouble ahead: twenty-four hours of persecution will scatter them all. In the fog of battle, these men will give up their confidence in Jesus, their unity with one another, and instead run for safety.
And yet, even before the first skirmish in the garden, Jesus declares victory. When he says, “I have overcome the world,” He says there will be a battle, but it is as good as won.
How are Jesus’ students and friends helped by knowing that there is a battle coming and that Jesus will be the victor? We can see five specific encouragements given before their day of pain has even begun. When Jesus assures us that he has overcome the world, it is as though Jesus promises us these things as well.
Clear Understanding
Jesus says that He will no longer explain things in stories and metaphors to help them understand God. He then encourages them to “take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Despite the limitations of their own hearts, the Father will allow them to understand the truth plainly by sending His Helper, the Spirit, that Jesus mentioned earlier that night (John 14:16).
Eternal Life Without Suffering
Jesus reminds the disciples that in this world they will have trouble and suffering. However, they can be encouraged that these trials are only in this world and their lives do not end when they leave it.
Relationship with the Father in Heaven
Jesus says that when He is gone from the world He won’t be asking the Father to help them in the same way. They can take heart in knowing that the Father has shown the disciples Who Jesus is, and they have believed in and loved Him. They can ask the Father themselves because of His love for them.
Unity of The Father and Son
Jesus came from the Father into the world, but now He is leaving the world and going back to the Father. He stands in victory over the world’s trying to kill Him and separate Him from the Father. Even though He is going away from them, He encourages them that He is not going to forsaken solitude, but rather to the presence of His Father.
Shalom: A Life of Wholeness and Fulfillment
Jesus informs them that they will be scattered, each to their own homes, but they can be encouraged that He knows their frailties. The world cannot claim them as its own or keep them from Jesus. He has victory over the enemy that is here to destroy their shalom (peace) and life’s wholeness. He will not allow the world to rob them of their deep sustaining peace! Even moments of failure will not deprive them of this genuine kind of peace.
Personal Reflection: Which of these promises of Jesus is the hardest for you to believe? Which of these assurances do you need most today? Take the time today to pray, asking this Father Who loves you, to help you rely more on Jesus’s victory!
