August 25
________________________________________TAKE COURAGE FOR JESUS OVERCAME THE WORLD
29 His disciples said, “Lo, now You are speaking plainly and are not using a figure of speech. 30 Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 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.”
– John 16:29-33
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This declaration of the disciples to Jesus about believing that He came from God didn’t really convince Jesus. In verse 31, he asks them again if they really believe Him. Jesus gives them another warning that they will all be scattered and cannot be together as they used to be. In verse 32, Jesus predicts that they are not strong enough yet to face all the repercussions of His sacrifice on the cross will bring on their lives. Jesus prophesied that some of them will be so scared of the fact that the Jewish leaders have the power to crucify them as well since they were connected to Jesus.
We clearly see the deity of Christ when He declared what will happen before it actually happens. Because He is omniscient and omnipotent, He also knew their unbelief, their fear for their lives and their panic from having no one to lead them anymore. Jesus also acknowledges his humanity in verse 32 when He said that they will not be there for Him at all. He expected them to be there when He is going through the sacrifice on the cross. His dependence on God always prevails because He knows that the Father is always in Him and will never leave or forsake Him. He predicted his disciples would be scattered and hide because of their fear. He is teaching us all to depend on God who knows what is best for us. He doesn’t want us to rely on humans for help, because they will never really be able to provide what only God can grant us. Jesus reminds them that only in Him can they have courage and peace because the world is unable to give this peace to them. The world only brings suffering and pain. Jesus reassures them that the only way they can overcome these tribulations is through Him. He is the Prince of Peace.
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REFLECTION
• Why are we asked to pursue peace at all cost as Christians?