Over the next few weeks, I wish to share some thoughts based on Jesus’ encouraging words in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus is in the upper room with His eleven apostles (Mark 14:17). The whole broader context begins in chapter 13 (13:1). In that chapter, Jesus has washed His disciples’ feet and then He predicts His betrayal at the hand of Judas, when Judas then exits not only the upper room but also the apostleship and, you might say, the grace of God.
Jesus told His apostles in 13:33 (NASV): “Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’” Jesus had told the Jews this back in 7:33-34.
When Peter asks Him where He is going, Jesus told him that Peter could not follow Him at that point, but he would follow later (13:36). Peter brashly boasted that he would lay down his life for Jesus! To which Jesus responded with the prediction that the rooster would not crow twice before Peter had denied Jesus three times (13:38).
No doubt grasping the fear, trepidation, weakness in the apostles’ hearts – especially Peter – at that moment, Jesus follows this sad prediction with the beautiful and comforting words of John 14:1-4: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. “And you know the way where I am going.”
So Jesus has told His apostles that He is going away and they can’t go with Him. But then He promises that He is coming back to take them to be with Him.
That is the broader context of Jesus’ statement in 16:33 when He tells His apostles: “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Here is the outline we will follow in our subsequent Daily Droplets…
I. These Things I Have Spoken
II. In Me You Have Peace
III. In the World You Have Tribulation
IV. Take Courage
V. I Have Overcome the World
If we base our life and decisions on the things spoken by Jesus and His apostles, we will have peace in contrast to the tribulation which characterizes the world. Take courage – Christ has overcome the world!
Paul Holland
