Have Peace, Jesus has Overcome the World

John 16

​Regardless of how difficult things get this week, this year, or how difficult things get when the world beats you down this side of eternity, you have reason to live with bold faith, peace, and a deep-seated joy. Why?

​Because Jesus is the sovereign King that has overcome the world. He has defeated sin, Satan, and death by His sacrifice on a symbol of ridicule and did the seemingly impossible by raising from the dead. If you’re a follower of Jesus, your eternity is secure. And Jesus has the power to overrule your most difficult earthly circumstances and situations. Knowing and holding to this truth and maintaining an intimate relationship with the Lord and His Word will radically change your perspective as you face whatever obstacles or meandering roads that come your way.

“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 16:33 (ESV)

Jesus warned the disciples about the opposition that would soon come; however, there was much confusion among them. He warns them, “Do not be surprised when you are persecuted by religious people,” for this has been going on ever since Cain killed Abel. But take comfort for the Spirit is at hand.

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” John 16:1–15 ESV)
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Dr. Harold Wilmington writes, “Noticing His disciples’ sorrow, Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. It was necessary for Jesus to go to heaven so that this Counselor could come. This does not mean that the Holy Spirit had no ministry in the world up to that time but that his ministry would now expand and intensify."

The Greek for “Counselor” (KJV, “Comforter”) is a legal term for one who defends a case in court.” This passage of scripture describes the Spirit’s ministry of comforting believers; however, it also describes his role in “discomforting” the unsaved. He shows them of their spiritual need in three areas:

•​He shows them that they have refused to admit their sin and their need for salvation.
•​He reminds them of Christ’s perfect righteousness. Christ’s righteousness constantly bothered the Jewish leaders; when Jesus returned to heaven, the Spirit took over that “bothering ministry.”
•​The Spirit shows the absolute necessity of God’s judgment on sin. The best example of this is how Satan (the “prince of this world”) has been defeated through Christ’s death and resurrection.

Dr. Wilmington continues, “The third person’s threefold work for the saved. The “comforting” ministry of the Spirit is for believers:
•​He teaches the truth. At first this probably came through prophecies, but then through the written Scriptures that still guide believers today. These truths are from the Father.
•​He reveals the future.
•​He glorifies Jesus. He does not glorify himself, as some current teachings might suggest."

“A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:16–24 (ESV)

Warren Wirsbe writes, “When Jesus was arrested, crucified, and buried, the world system rejoiced because their Enemy was out of the way. But today He is alive, and we have every reason to rejoice! The Lord does not replace our sorrow with joy; He transforms our sorrow into joy. The same baby that gives the mother pain also gives her joy. The world’s joy does not last, but the believer’s joy is forever.”

“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. 26 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; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” John 16:25-28 (ESV)

There is a principle at work here for believers in Christ: God only explains what you are ready and able to handle. You may not understand the circumstances that you’re experiencing, but God loves you and is taking you through a growth process. He calls for your trust and obedience now. Further understanding will come, when and as you’re prepared to receive it. This is why it’s important to continue to grow in faith by intentionally, systematically, and continually studying His Word of Truth.

“His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 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.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 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.” John 16:29–32 (ESV)

Jesus said, “Do you now believe? Indeed, an hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered … and you will leave me alone.” Or “You don’t believe as strongly as you think you do. Now, while all is quiet and safe, this is easy for you to say. But very soon you’re going to forget your fragile faith and run.”

Have you ever made a vow to God only to back away from it later? It’s easy to boast about our faith as the disciples did in 16:30; it’s harder to live it, as Peter would soon discover. This is one of the reasons why God causes us to experience challenges. Through them, we come to see how brittle our faith is and how mighty our Savior is; thus, our faith is made a little stronger.

What is your greatest struggle today? What difficulty do you need reminded that He is present and His Spirit offers comfort, wisdom and courage?
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Today will you remember that no matter what difficulties arise, “Jesus has overcome the world.”

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