Text: John 16:32-33
Jesus was talking with His apostles shorty before His death. He warned them that they would be scattered. Despite the fact that they would leave Him, the Father would not leave Him. Jesus encouraged them with the fact that He had overcome the world. This was to give them the courage to endure the trials they would face. The Lord’s disciples continue to face trials (Acts 14:22), yet we can “take courage” just as the apostles were told to do.
Jesus Overcame the World
- How did Jesus overcome the world? – by living a sinless life (Hebrews 7:26); by being raised from the dead (Acts 2:24)
- This world is filled with trouble, yet we can overcome through Christ (Romans 8:37) – Jesus provides freedom from sin (John 8:32-36); He frees us from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
God Does Not Forsake His Own
- Despite the apostles deserting Him, the Father was with Him – the Father did not leave Jesus because He always did the Father’s will (John 8:29); it appeared as though the Father forsook Him on the cross (Matthew 27:46), yet He never did (Ps. 22:1, 24)
- Through all of the hardships we endure, God is with us – He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6); God cannot lie so our hope is secure (Hebrews 6:18-19)
Tribulation Is Only in This World
- Prior to coming to earth, Jesus shared in glory in heaven with the Father (John 17:5) – while on earth, Jesus faced hardships (Matthew 8:20) and a cruel death on the cross (Philippians 2:8); He endured all of this because of the hope before Him (Hebrews 12:2)
- We will face hardships in this life (Acts 14:22) – but it is only in this life; it cannot compare with what we will gain in heaven (2 Corinthians 4:17); there will be no troubles in heaven (Revelation 21:4); but we must remain faithful to obtain this (Revelation 22:14)
Conclusion
- There are troubles, trials, and tribulations in life – yet we have hope in Christ
- So let us take courage – Christ has overcome the world; we can overcome through Him
