What Does John 16:33 Mean?

"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 16:33(NASB)

Verse of the Day

The Lord Jesus was to face the most challenging event in the history of the universe, for He Who had rested in the bosom of the Father and communed with Him throughout eternity, was to experience the most excruciating separation from His God and Father – an agonizing disconnection which is beyond the comprehension of frail mortal man.

Yet, He was able to communicate to His confused and fearful followers, both deep comfort and the stark reality of what lay ahead. He had explained they would be scattered and scurry to their homes in fear, deserting their Lord and Master whom they had come to trust as "Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God." He warned them that "anyone who kills you will think that they are offering a service to God." 

But these shocking and fearful announcements were countered with the most beautiful words of deep, deep comfort that our Saviour uttered on that eve of our salvation. These words of consolation and succour were to bring reassurance and support, strength, hope, and courage to the disciples and to generations who have trusted in Christ as Saviour: "But take heart! I have overcome the world."

He has indeed overcome the world's system, the power of the flesh, and the wiles of the devil. He paid the price of sins committed and also broke the power of cancelled sin – that old sin nature imputed from Adam to every member of the human race – save One. He broke the power of death and hell and in so doing He poured out the most astonishing cascade of the riches of God's amazing grace on all who would believe in His name.

"But take heart! I have overcome the world," are simple words from our gracious Saviour, but the grace and glory that flows from His words of deep, deep comfort, will resound throughout the eternal ages to come.

However dark your own life situation may be and whatever challenges you may be facing, take these words from Christ Jesus to heart: "But take heart! I have overcome the world."

My Prayer

Thank You, Father, for Your wonderful words of comfort and peace. I pray that in all the trials and tribulations of life, which seem to be mounting with each passing day, that my heart and my mind will rest in Jesus so that His perfect peace will carry me through all life's difficulties. Thank You that I have nothing to fear, knowing that He has overcome the world, and that His victory is my victory, simply because I trusted Him as my Saviour. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.

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