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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33
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The Daily Encounter
"Substitutional Overcoming"

 
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (ESV)


In John Chapter 16 Jesus is talking to his disciples and explaining some critical events soon to come. Jesus explains that he’ll soon return to the Father and that the disciples will press on without him, but he also cautions them that they’ll face challenges and be rejected. Jesus also reassures them that they won’t be alone, as the Holy Spirit will be present and guide them.

Jesus explains that the disciples will first feel grief (the uncomfortable reality), but that will be followed by joy. Starting with verse 20, “You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21 A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

When we think about our commitment and willingness to endure suffering, we need to be reminded that the temporary now will be replaced with the permanent future. Jesus uses the analogy of a laboring woman to convey the message of how an unbearable pain can quickly disappear and be replaced with relief and joy! Our suffering for following Christ and paying the consequences for doing so will pale in comparison to the eventual glory.

We also need to remember that Jesus himself didn’t return to the Father in a pleasant manner by snapping his fingers. He didn’t take the easy way out. He himself experienced grief on the cross and he isn’t asking of us to do something he himself hasn’t experienced.

Jesus is being remarkably candid with his disciples by providing a blunt warning, however, he also offers long term hope. The words of encouragement end with “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Dave G
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